Mark Twain, the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910), stands among the giants of American literature, renowned for his wit, narrative charm, and critical eye. He was born in the small river town of Florida, Missouri, and the culture of the Mississippi River would become a defining force in his literature. Twain gained initial success with his travel narrative 'The Innocents Abroad' (1869), an account of his journey through Europe and the Holy Land with other American travelers. This Illustrated Edition brought vivid imagery to his wry observations on human nature, and contributed significantly to the popularity of the work. Twain's unique narrative style, characterized by lively colloquial language and biting social satire, was influential in the development of American fiction. His novels 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' (1876) and 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' (1884) are cherished classics, with the latter often referred to as 'the Great American Novel'. 'Huckleberry Finn', in particular, was notable for its pioneering use of vernacular speech and its incisive critique of entrenched racist attitudes of the time. Beyond novels, Twain was a prolific writer, creating essays, short stories, and a wealth of personal correspondence that have been of significant interest to scholars. An ardent commentator on the absurdities of social conventions and human folly, Twain's writings remain integral to discussions of American literary history and cultural identity.