Mark Twain, the pen name for Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was an American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer, born on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri. He grew up in Hannibal, a town on the Mississippi River, which later provided the setting for some of his most famous works: 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' (1876) and 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' (1885), both featured in 'The Complete Novels of Mark Twain - 12 Books in One Volume (Illustrated Edition)'. Twain worked as a printer, a steamboat pilot, and then as a journalist before becoming one of America's most beloved authors. His vibrant characters, robust sense of humor, and deep understanding of human nature have rendered his works timeless. His use of colloquial speech is considered to have revolutionized American literature, bringing forth narratives that captured the authentic American voice of his era. In addition to his novels, Twain was known for his travel narratives and lectures, with 'The Innocents Abroad' (1869) highlighting his witty observational style. Having been lauded as the 'father of American literature' by William Faulkner, Twain's work is recognized for its critical stance on societal norms and its unflinching examination of the human condition. Twain passed away on April 21, 1910, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to captivate and inspire readers and writers around the world.