Mark Twain, the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, remains a towering figure in American literature. Born on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri, Twain grew to become a writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer, renowned for his wit and engaging storytelling. His seminal work, 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,' often heralded as 'the Great American Novel,' reflects Twain's gift for capturing the vernacular of the American South and tackling the complex social issues of his time, such as race and identity. Illustrated editions of this novel have helped to immortalize Twain's vivid characters and settings, bringing the story to life for generations of readers. Twain's literary style is characterized by his use of satire and humor, often using the innocence of childhood to critique the moral shortcomings of society. His extensive oeuvre includes such classics as 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,' 'Life on the Mississippi,' and 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.' His works have left an indelible mark on the American literary canon and continue to be studied and celebrated for their cultural significance and unflinching examination of the human condition. To this day, Twain is celebrated as a master storyteller and a sharp social commentator whose influence transcends the boundaries of time and geography.