Mark Twain was the pen name for Samuel Clemens (1835-1910). He was a famous humorist and wrote many autobiographical works, travel books, and novels. He was also a serious social critic, using humor to express his offense to all forms of narrow-mindedness and prejudice.
Hannibal, Missouri, was the river town of his boyhood. His experiences along the wide Mississippi were a rich source for many of his books. Two of his most famous characters, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, have been endeared to young and old alike with their irresponsible and mischievous escapades.