Mark Twain, born as Samuel Langhorne Clemens on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri, was a prominent American author and orator. He is renowned for his distinctive style and humorous language, which have significantly influenced subsequent literature. Twain's works encompassed a variety of genres, including novels, essays, and satires, and he is best known for his novels "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," which have been adapted into numerous languages and continue to captivate readers worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Twain grew up in a poor family of lawyers in Florida, Missouri. His father, a lawyer, died when Twain was 12, forcing him to leave school and take on various jobs such as a typesetter, newsboy, and compositor. Despite these early hardships, Twain maintained a passion for learning and writing. His experiences working on the Mississippi River as a riverboat pilot provided him with invaluable insights into American society, which later informed his writing.

Career and Literary Achievements

After working as a riverboat pilot, Twain pursued various careers, including a brief stint as a miner during the California Gold Rush. His adventures and observations during this time were later published in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," a novel that is considered a masterpiece of American literature.

Twain's writing career took off with the publication of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" in 1876. The novel, which tells the story of a mischievous boy's adventures in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, was a critical and commercial success. It was followed by "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," published in 1884, which explores themes of race, social injustice, and freedom through the eyes of a young boy.

Personal Life and Legacy

Mark Twain was married twice and had several children. He was known for his wit, humor, and strong sense of justice. Twain passed away on April 21, 1910, in New York City at the age of 75. His legacy as a writer and social commentator endures through his enduring works, which have been translated into numerous languages and continue to be studied and enjoyed by readers around the world.

Twain's influence on American literature and his contribution to the批判现实主义文学（critical realism，现实主义文学）movement have cemented his status as a literary giant. His works remain relevant today, offering readers a window into the complexities of human nature and the social issues of his time.