Mark Twain revolutionized American literature in the 19th century with famous works like Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. In addition to being a renowned writer, Twain was also a pilot, lecturer, and entrepreneur. However, it was his writing that brought him the most prominence early in his career. Born in 1835 in Missouri, Twain grew up in poverty and faced family losses, but found success through his literary works later in life.