Samuel Langhorne Clemens
- Born:
- November 30, 1835, Florida, Missouri, USA
- Died:
- April 21, 1910, Redding, Connecticut, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Author, Humorist, Publisher, Lecturer
Early Life and Education
- Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in Florida, Missouri, the sixth of seven children.
- Family moved to Hannibal, Missouri, in 1839, which later became the setting for many of his stories.
- Began working as a printer's apprentice at age 12 after his father's death.
- Worked as a typesetter and contributed articles to his brother Orion's newspaper.
- Obtained a pilot's license on the Mississippi River in 1859, a profession he deeply enjoyed and from which he derived his pen name.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began writing professionally under the pen name "Mark Twain" in 1863.
- Gained national recognition for his humorous travel letters and sketches.
- Traveled extensively, lecturing and writing about his experiences.
- Founded his own publishing house, Charles L. Webster and Company, in 1884.
- Experienced financial difficulties later in life due to business ventures.
Notable Works
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876)
- The Prince and the Pauper (1881)
- Life on the Mississippi (1883)
- Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884)
- A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1889)
- Many readers look forward to delving into complex works, such as when considering reading the librivox mark twain autobiography first edition.
Legacy and Impact
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known as Mark Twain, left an indelible mark on American literature and culture. His use of vernacular language, humor, and social commentary made him one of the most important and influential writers of his time. His works continue to be widely read and studied, offering valuable insights into American society and the human condition.