Mark Twain Biography: Age, Wife, Career, Books & Personal Life
Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was one of America’s greatest writers and humorists. Best known for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain’s wit and social commentary made him a literary icon. Below is a detailed biography, including his age, wife, career, and personal life, presented in a semantic SEO-friendly format.
| Full Name | Samuel Langhorne Clemens |
| Pen Name | Mark Twain |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1835 |
| Place of Birth | Florida, Missouri, U.S. |
| Death | April 21, 1910 (aged 74) |
| Cause of Death | Heart failure |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Writer, Humorist, Lecturer |
| Famous Works | The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Prince and the Pauper |
| Spouse | Olivia Langdon Clemens (m. 1870–1904) |
| Children | 4 (Langdon, Susy, Clara, Jean) |
| Notable Awards | Honorary doctorate from Oxford University |
Early Life and Age
Mark Twain was born on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri. He grew up in Hannibal, Missouri, a town that later inspired the setting of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
- Age at Death: 74 years old (died April 21, 1910)
- Early Jobs: Printer’s apprentice, riverboat pilot, miner
Mark Twain’s Wife and Family Life
Twain married Olivia Langdon Clemens in 1870. She came from a wealthy family and influenced his writing and social views.
Key Facts About His Marriage:
- Marriage Duration: 34 years (until Olivia’s death in 1904)
- Children:
- Langdon (died in infancy)
- Susy (died at 24 from meningitis)
- Clara (outlived Twain)
- Jean (died at 29 from epilepsy)
Twain’s personal life was marked by financial struggles and tragedy, including the deaths of his wife and three children.
Mark Twain’s Career Highlights
Twain’s career spanned writing, lecturing, and journalism.
Major Works:
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) – A nostalgic novel about boyhood.
- Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885) – Considered the “Great American Novel.”
- The Prince and the Pauper (1881) – A historical fiction novel.
- A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1889) – A satirical time-travel story.
Other Ventures:
- Travel Writing: The Innocents Abroad (1869)
- Lecturer: Famous for his humorous public speeches.
- Business Failures: Invested in failed inventions, leading to bankruptcy.
Personal Life and Legacy
- Friendships: Close with Nikola Tesla and Helen Keller.
- Views: Critical of racism and imperialism; supported women’s rights.
- Death: Died of a heart attack in 1910; buried in Elmira, New York.
Twain’s legacy endures through his timeless novels and sharp wit, making him a cornerstone of American literature.
Conclusion
Mark Twain remains one of history’s most influential writers. His works continue to be studied, and his quotes are widely shared. Despite personal hardships, his humor and insight into human nature keep him relevant today
