Mark Twain
Author and Humorist
Introduction
From a small town boy to a big time author. How did he do it? Mark Twain is one of the world's greatest author. He is also known as a humorist. He has written more than 30 books. Some of his more commonly known are Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer.
Childhood
Mark Twain was born in Florida, Missouri on November 30, 1835. He had six siblings. Four years after he was born his family moved to Hannibal, Missouri. His real name is Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Until the age of nine he was kept inside because of bad health. When he was finally healthy he attended a private school. When he was twelve his father died of pneumonia. At thirteen, he left school to become an apprentice of a printer.
Accomplishments Of Mark Twain
Mark Twain wrote and published more than thirty books in his lifetime. his books made him famous because his writing was different from what people were used to. his style of writing had more voice in it and people loved it. A licensed steamboat pilot by 1859, he soon found regular employment plying the shoals and channels of the great river. He loved his career—it was exciting, well-paying, and high-status. However, his service was cut short in 1861 by the outbreak of the Civil War, which halted most civilian traffic on the river. Joining the Confederate Army in June 1861, but serving for only a couple of weeks until his volunteer unit disbanded. Working on the steam boat is how he got his name, Mark Twain. This is really a nautical term.
Adult Life
Mark Twain married Olivia Langdon in 1860. He had four children, Susy Clemens, Clara Clemens, Jean Clemens, and Langdon Clemens. Although only one child lived past her thirties. one died in infancy and the other two died in their twenties. His relationship with his only surviving daughter, Clara Clemens wasn't very good. He didn't go to school past elementary school but somehow managed to get into a college. His wife grew very ill and after weeks of fighting the illness, she passed away.
Home Town
Mark Twain's home Town is Hannibal Missouri. He lived here until he turned 17. Hannibal was a very laid back town. With a poplation of only 1000 people the towns people were always bustling. People were very laid back, but busy. Where Twain grew up greatly affected his writing. The way the people talked in his hometwon was rubbed off into his writing. Also the way the people lived influenced how the people in his books lived.