Mark Twain by Graham LaBass

  Mark Twain 

    Everyone has at least read one book in their life. But barely anyone has gone far enough  to look at who wrote the book that caught their attention. Mark Twain is one of these authors. In his life he wrote over 20 books that all caught the eyes of many. But who of those millions who read his books actually know who he is?

                                     Who is Mark Twain?

            Mark Twain or his birth name, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was born on November 30th 1835 in Florida, MO. He was the second youngest of 7 siblings. Although he was one of many, he got all the attention he needed. During his childhood he was very ill and had health problems for over 10 years. During that time he moved to Hannibal Missouri, where he gained the nickname Mark Twain. Then when he started writing the name caught on and set in. Here he lived in poor conditions but recovered from his childhood lillnes. As he grew he became a talented writer and would later become an american writer, humorist, journalist, lecturer and a novelist. He had 4 kids but sadly only 2 would ever see adulthood. Then after an extremely sorrowful but successful life he died of a heart attack in Redding Connecticut at 74 years old.

                                 What was Mark Twain known for?

                    In his childhood he was known for talking and his humor. Later that developed into his first book, The Innocents Abroad. This immediately caught the attention of his growing town. He was inspired by the people that read his book and quickly wrote his next book, Roughing It. and again was a big hit. Over the space of 17 years he wrote over 20 books, most while living with his 4 kids. Some of the most famous books were, Life on the Mississippi, The Innocents Abroad, The jumping frog, Tragedy of pudd'nhead wilson, The gilded and the adventures of Tom Sawyers.

                     What happened to Mark Twain's kids.

In 1870 on November 7, Mark twain was blessed with his first son. But like him, he had major health issues. Langdon Clemens only lived 19 months. Then after this heart breaking traddigy, a healthy baby was born 2 years later. Susy Clemens was born on March 19 1872. As she grew she adopted her father's sense of humor and was known for her clever and funny comments. Then on June 8, 1874 Cara Clemens was born. Both grew watching their father write his masterpieces. Then in 1880 on July 26, his last kid was born. Jane Clemens was born and quickly gained the nickname Jean. At this time both Susy and Clara had picked up their fathers hobbies.  Susy loved writing music and theater.  Clara became a concert singer. But sadly in 1909 on Christmas eve, Jean Clemens drowned in the bathtub. Then only 1 year later the american writer Mark Twain died. His other 2 daughters grew to follow their hobbies and live long lives.

             In his 74 years of life, Mark twain made a name for himself, even today his books are still being read by millions. Though tragic he was a happy and loved man. So the next time you find a good book, maybe you will take the time to find out the author's story.

   “ Sometimes the author's story is just as good as his books.”

     GC