About Mark Twain

Mark Twain, the legendary American writer and humorist, left an indelible mark on literature. Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri, Twain's life was a testament to his wit and resilience.

Early Life

Growing up in Hannibal, Missouri, a town on the Mississippi River, Twain drew inspiration from his surroundings. His father, John Marshall Clemens, was a lawyer and judge who died when Twain was just 11 years old. This pivotal event led Twain to leave school and become a printer's apprentice, starting his journey in the world of writing.

Early Career

Twain's early career was marked by his work as a typesetter and contributor to the Hannibal Journal, a newspaper owned by his brother Orion. He later worked as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River, where he got his famous pen name "Mark Twain" from the leadsman's cry for a measured river depth of two fathoms.

Literary Success

Twain's writing career took off with the publication of "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" in 1865. This humorous tale brought him international attention and paved the way for his future successes.

• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876)
• Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884)
• A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1889)
• Pudd'nhead Wilson (1894)