Mark Twain

He's one of the best American writers, probably of all time. His best book is probably Huckleberry Finn.

Sorry...never heard of him.

EmilyWell--

Mark Twain's humor builds on a American tradition of tall tales and leg-pulling spoofs.

You might say, "He's a regular rip-tailed wouser!" meaning that he's bigger than life and funnier than most people.

If it's humor you are after, avoid The Gilded Age. It was not one of his more light hearted works.