Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri, is celebrated as one of America’s most iconic authors. Twain's literary contributions have left an indelible mark on American literature, with a unique blend of humor, social commentary, and deep understanding of human nature. He passed away on April 21, 1910, in Redding, Connecticut, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with readers around the globe.

Twain's early life was marked by the challenges of growing up in a river town. His family moved to Hannibal, Missouri, when he was four years old, and the experiences of his youth in this vibrant port town deeply influenced his writing. Twain's father died when he was just 11, which forced him to leave school and work to support his family. His early exposure to the Mississippi River, along with the diverse characters he encountered, would later inspire some of his most famous works.

Twain's literary career began in earnest in the 1860s, when he gained fame as a humorist and writer. His first major work, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," published in 1865, showcased his talent for capturing the quirks of American life. However, it was his subsequent novels, including "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1876) and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (1884), that solidified his status as a literary giant. Huck Finn, in particular, is often regarded as one of the greatest American novels, exploring themes of race, identity, and morality.

In his personal life, Twain experienced both triumph and tragedy. He married Olivia Langdon in 1870, and they had four children together, but faced the heartbreak of losing three of them at young ages. Twain's later years were marked by financial difficulties and personal losses, yet he continued to write and speak out on social issues, including imperialism, racism, and the human condition. Through his wit and profound insights, Mark Twain remains a central figure in American literature, embodying the spirit of his age and the complexities of human experience.