Mark Twain: podcast appearances and interviews

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist, and essayist recognized as one of the greatest humorists from the United States. He is often hailed as the 'father of American literature' by William Faulkner and authored notable novels including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the latter frequently called the 'Great American Novel.' Twain's body of work also comprises A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, Pudd'nhead Wilson, and he coauthored The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today. Raised in Hannibal, Missouri, the setting for both Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, Twain initially apprenticed with a printer and worked as a typesetter. He later served as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River, which inspired his book Life on the Mississippi. After moving west to Nevada to join his brother Orion, Twain turned to journalism following unsuccessful mining endeavors, contributing to the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise. His first major success came with the humorous story The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, published in 1865, which gained him international recognition. As his fame grew, Twain became known for his wit and satire in both prose and speech, earning admiration from critics, peers, and notable figures including presidents and European royalty. Throughout his life, Twain engaged in social and political commentary, initially supporting American interests in the Hawaiian Islands before becoming vice president of the American Anti-Imperialist League. Financially, Twain faced setbacks due to failed ventures but was eventually helped by Henry Huttleston Rogers to settle his debts. He was born shortly after Halley's Comet appeared and predicted he would die when the comet returned; he passed away the day after it was closest to the Sun.