Mark Twain was an American author, essayist, and humorist who wrote a series of famous books, including ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’ and ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.’ Hailed as "the father of American literature" by William Faulkner, Twain was known for not just his humorous writings and satire but also his radical views on imperialism, organized religion, and civil rights. He was a very popular figure and was friends with the presidents, prominent industrialists, and even European royalty. Born into a humble family in Missouri, he endured a difficult childhood. The untimely death of his father in 1847 forced the 11-year-old Twain to take up a job to support his family. His early struggles instilled in him sympathy for the working class. As a young man, he was appointed as a river pilot's apprentice, eventually becoming a licensed river pilot. He began his writing career during the ‘Civil War.’ The success of his story ‘The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County’ earned him national recognition, paving the way for a successful writing career. Thanks to his popularity, he was also a much sought-after speaker.