Mark Twain is one of the most celebrated American authors, who wrote the timeless classics such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He was a beloved and respected figure in American literary history, but what few people realise is how varied Twain’s career was. Before Twain wrote his famous books, he worked for several jobs in an attempt to make ends meet.
The first job that Mark Twain had when he left school in 1851 was as an apprentice to a printer, learning the trade in his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. It was at this job that he started writing stories and getting them published in local papers. He continued to write while working at the print shop, until he realised he had potential to write and make money out of it. This prompted him to move to New York and become a full-time writer.
Twain got his first big writing job in 1857, when he was hired as a writer and editor of an independent newspaper in rural Virginia. He spent a year there, writing stories and opinion pieces, as well as handling correspondence and subscriptions. He continued to freelance for other papers during this time, and after he moved back to Missouri in 1858, he began writing for the Territorial Enterprise in Nevada. Twain wrote articles about his travels out west, and became well-known for his humour and wit.
In the early 1860’s, Twain started writing books such as The Innocents Abroad, and Roughing It. He gave lectures on his travels, and his fame as a speaker and writer grew. He began to work for prominent magazines, such as Harper’s Magazine and Atlantic Monthly, for which he wrote essays and short stories. Twain also wrote book reviews and editorials, and he even wrote plays.
By 1878, Twain had become an established writer, and he continued to write and publish books until his death in 1910. He published some of his most beloved works during this time, including A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. He travelled widely, giving lectures and readings on his writings, and he was even invited to the White House to visit with President Theodore Roosevelt.
In addition to writing, Mark Twain was a respected publisher and entrepreneur. He set up his own publishing house and printing shop in 1872 called the Charles L. Webster and Co. He published and promoted some of his own books, as well as the works of other authors, such as Rudyard Kipling and William Dean Howells. He also established a seven-month lecture tour, in which he spoke to thousands of people all over the United States.
Mark Twain certainly had a varied and colourful career as a writer and entrepreneur. He was pioneering and innovative in his lifetime, and his work continues to be read and enjoyed by readers today.
Personal Finance Advice from Mark Twain
Twain not only wrote about the adventures of others, but he has also become widely known for his financial advice. He wrote in 1881: “October. This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August, and February.” He also said, “It is no different from gambling. I would never advise someone to invest in something they do not understand.” He strongly believed in financial independence, and discouraged borrowing money and investing without knowing the risks involved.
Mark Twain’s Impact on American Literature
Mark Twain was a champion of American literature, and his work has had a lasting impact on many other authors. He was an innovator and a pioneer of the form, and his work is often seen as the epitome of American literature. He was praised for his dark humour, his wit, and his use of language. Twain’s writing was often a reflection of his own personal beliefs and his political views, and he has been described as “the father of American literature”.
Mark Twain and His Criticism of American Society
Mark Twain was a staunch critic of American society and politics. He constantly denounced the hypocrisies and injustices of the society around him, and his works explored issues such as racism and slavery. Twain himself was a victim of racism, which deeply shaped his writings. His essays and stories often criticized oppressive government and media institutions, which have since come to power in the United States.
Mark Twain’s Legacy
Mark Twain’s legacy is one of innovation and independence, and his works are inspiring to aspiring authors today. He was a passionate writer and advocate for freedom, and his works continue to resonate with readers. His influence on American literature is undeniable, and his impact is still being felt today.
