A pseudonym of Samuel Langhorne Clemens American writer and humorist, whose best work is characterized by broad, often irreverent humor or biting social satire. Twain's writing is also known for realism of place and language, memorable characters, and hatred of hypocrisy and oppression. Born in Florida, Missouri, Clemens moved with his family to Hannibal, Missouri, a Mississippi river port, when he was four years old. There he received a public school education. After the death …showed first 75 words of 988 total…

…showed last 75 words of 988 total…to Twain as an inspiration for their own writing. In Twain's later years he wrote less, but he became a celebrity, frequently speaking out on public issues; he came to be known for the white linen suit he always wore when making public appearances. Twain received an honorary doctorate from Oxford University in 1907. When he died he left an uncompleted autobiography, which was eventually edited by his secretary, Albert Bigelow Paine, and was published in 1924.