Discover the extraordinary life of one of America’s most celebrated writers in Mark Twain, the sweeping biography by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Ron Chernow, bestselling author of Alexander Hamilton, Grant, and Washington: A Life.

Before he became Mark Twain, he was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, a boy growing up along the Mississippi River who dreamed of becoming a steamboat pilot. His remarkable journey would take him from the riverboats of Missouri to the newspaper offices of the American West, and eventually to international fame as a novelist, humorist, lecturer, and outspoken social commentator.

Chernow traces Twain’s transformation into a literary icon, exploring the creation of enduring classics such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Along the way, he reveals the complicated man behind the famous wit: an ambitious entrepreneur whose business ventures led to financial ruin, a devoted family man who endured devastating personal losses, and a public figure whose political and social views evolved throughout his lifetime.

Drawing on thousands of letters, unpublished manuscripts, and extensive archival research, Chernow presents a richly detailed portrait of Twain and the rapidly changing America he inhabited. From westward expansion and industrialization to the legacy of slavery and the country’s growing international influence, Twain’s life provides a fascinating window into American history.

Insightful, engaging, and deeply researched, Mark Twain is an essential read for lovers of American literature, history, and biography. This acclaimed bestseller offers an unforgettable look at the brilliance, contradictions, humor, and humanity of one of America’s most influential literary figures.

Awards & Recognition

• #1 New York Times Bestseller
• One of Barack Obama’s Favorite Books of 2025
• New York Times Notable Book of 2025
• Washington Post Notable Book of 2025
• Named a Best Book of 2025 by TIME, The Guardian, Bloomberg, and Kirkus Reviews

Book Details

• Title: Mark Twain
• Author: Ron Chernow
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 1,200
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Publication Date: June 2, 2026
• Genre: Biography & Autobiography / Literary Biography / American History
• ISBN: 9780525561743