Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in 1835, was a famous American author best known for his novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Twain drew from his childhood experiences growing up on the Mississippi River to write these classics that have brought enjoyment to millions of readers. While Tom Sawyer was well received when published in 1876, Huckleberry Finn faced more controversy due to its portrayal of slavery and racism in the pre-Civil War American South. Both novels provide a glimpse into life during that time period and comment on issues of freedom and social justice that still resonate today.