A humorist, philosopher, and writer of social satire, Twain was world famous in his lifetime. Influenced by the Mississippi River ... of the quotes below as a starting point: He (Mark Twain ...

Joked O'Brien, 61, in a statement, “I am honored to be the first winner of the Mark Twain Prize recognized not for humor, but for my work as a riverboat pilot." Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE ...

But about 1857, on a trip down the Mississippi, he abandoned his writing to pursue a lifelong dream — becoming a riverboat pilot ... the pen name "Mark Twain." A term used in river navigation ...

Joked O'Brien, 61, in a statement, “I am honored to be the first winner of the Mark Twain Prize recognized not for humor, but for my work as a riverboat pilot." Never miss a story — sign up ...