Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens in 1835, was an influential American writer, humorist, and lecturer. He is best known for his classic novels "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," which explore themes of race, identity, and society in 19th-century America. Twain's sharp wit and social commentary made him a beloved and often controversial figure. He began his career as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River and later found success as a writer and speaker.