Mark Twain

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American author and humorist born on November 30, 1835, in Missouri. After his father's death when he was eleven, Twain left school to support his family. He worked as a printer and typesetter, contributing articles to his brother Orion's newspaper. His life as an adventurer led him to become a master riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River, try his hand at gold mining in California, and travel to South America in search of fortune.

Twain's writing career took off during his time as a journalist when he wrote "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," which brought him nationwide attention. He adopted the pseudonym Mark Twain, taken from the riverboat cry indicating two fathoms of water depth, during the Civil War. As a travel writer, Twain gained fame for his wit and satire, earning praise from critics, peers, and notable figures such as presidents, artists, and European royalty.

Twain is best known for his novels Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885) and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876), with the former often referred to as "the Great American Novel." His writing, inspired by his childhood experiences, created enduring characters that resonated with readers worldwide. Despite his success, Twain struggled financially due to poor investments, including the Paige Compositor. He declared bankruptcy but eventually overcame his financial troubles with the help of Henry Huttleston Rogers.

Twain's connection to the cosmos is noteworthy, as he was born when Halley's Comet was passing Earth and died on its return in 1910. He is often regarded as the "greatest American humorist of his age" and "the father of American literature." His legacy continues to influence modern literature, with Ernest Hemingway claiming that "All modern literature stems from this one book," referring to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Twain's life and work remain a testament to his adventurous spirit, keen observational skills, and storytelling prowess.