Mark Twain's Top 5 Books: Essential Classics

1. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884) - This novel is considered one of the greatest American novels and a masterpiece of literature. It follows the adventures of Huck Finn and Jim, an escaped slave, as they journey down the Mississippi River.

2. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) - Twain's novel about the adventures of a young boy named Tom Sawyer in a small town on the Mississippi River is another classic of American literature. It's known for its humor, memorable characters, and insightful portrayal of childhood.

3. The Prince and the Pauper (1881) - This novel tells the story of two young boys who exchange identities Edward VI of England, a prince, and Tom Canty, a pauper. Twain uses this premise to explore themes of identity, social class, and justice.

4. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1889) - In this satirical novel, Twain imagines a 19th-century American, Hank Morgan, who is transported back in time to King Arthur's court in medieval England. Through Hank's interactions and attempts to modernize Camelot, Twain critiques both contemporary society and the romanticized past.

5. Life on the Mississippi (1883) - This autobiographical work combines Twain's personal experiences as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River with his observations on the culture and society of the region. It's both a memoir of Twain's early life and a reflection on the changing landscape of America during his time.