Twain's early life was marked by financial difficulties and the loss of his father when he was just 12 years old. He began his career as a typesetter and printer, and later became a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River. These experiences would later provide rich material for his writings.
In 1867, Twain published his first book, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," which brought him national attention. He followed this with several successful novels, including "The Innocents Abroad" (1869), "Roughing It" (1872), and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1876).
Twain's writing is characterized by its humor, wit, and keen observations on society. He is also known for his use of regional dialects and vernacular, particularly in his portrayal of characters from the American South and West.
Twain achieved worldwide fame with the publication of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" in 1884. This novel is considered a masterpiece of American literature and is still widely read and studied today.
In addition to his literary works, Twain was also a successful lecturer, journalist, and entrepreneur. He was a close friend of other notable writers, including William Dean Howells and Rudyard Kipling.
Mark Twain passed away on April 21, 1910, in Redding, Connecticut. His legacy as a great American writer continues to inspire and entertain readers worldwide.