Twain Mark or Clemens Samuel Langhorne (1835–1910) American humorist, satirist, writer, and lecturer. Twain is most noted for his novels Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which has since been called the Great American Novel, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. He is also known for his quotations.

During his lifetime, he became a friend to presidents, artists, leading industrialists, and European royalty. Twain enjoyed immense public popularity, and his keen wit and incisive satire earned him praise from both critics and peers. American author William Faulkner called Twain “the father of American literature.” His Baconian work, Is Shakespeare Dead? has seen popularity around the world.