人生历程
Samuel Langhorne Clemens was born in a small village two weeks after Halley's Comet appeared. He would become Mark Twain, the greatest American humorist and author.
His family moved to Hannibal on the Mississippi River. This town would inspire the settings of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
His father died, forcing him to leave school and begin working as a printer's apprentice. His formal education ended at age eleven.
Left Hannibal to work as an itinerant printer in St. Louis, New York, and Philadelphia. He educated himself in public libraries.
Trained as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River, a prestigious and well-paid profession. This experience provided rich material for his writing.
After brief service in a Confederate militia, traveled to Nevada Territory where his brother had a government post. He tried mining without success.
Began working as a journalist for the Territorial Enterprise. He first used the pen name 'Mark Twain' in 1863.
Published 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County', which brought him national fame. His humorous style captivated American readers.
Published The Innocents Abroad, a travel book satirizing American tourists in Europe. It became the best-selling of all his books during his lifetime.
Married Olivia Langdon, daughter of a wealthy coal merchant. She became his editor and companion for 34 years.
Published The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, drawing on his Hannibal childhood. The book became a classic of American literature.
Published Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, often called the Great American Novel. Hemingway said all American literature comes from this book.
Bad investments, including in a failed typesetting machine, led to bankruptcy. He undertook a worldwide lecture tour to pay off his debts honorably.
Returned to America after paying all his debts. He was celebrated as the nation's most beloved author and social commentator.
Died of a heart attack, one day after Halley's Comet returned. He had predicted he would 'go out with it.' His works defined American literature and humor.
