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Classical literature

The Twelve Chairs

Ilya Ilf, Yevgeny Petrov
rus. Двенадцать стульев · 1928
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Historical Context and Significance

Historical Context and Significance

The Twelve Chairs is one of the most famous works by Ilya Ilf, co-authored with Yevgeny Petrov in 1928. This satirical novel is set in early 1920s Soviet Russia. The book humorously critiques the new Soviet society, mocking its flaws and absurdities of the time. The main characters, Ostap Bender and Ippolit Matveyevich Vorobyaninov, embark on a quest for diamonds hidden in one of the twelve chairs. Their adventures are seen as a parody of the then-rapid social mobility and the permissiveness in the pursuit of personal enrichment. The Twelve Chairs has had a significant impact on Russian culture, inspiring numerous theatrical productions, film adaptations, and even musical renditions. The book has been reprinted in various countries and translated into many languages, becoming a classic of world literature.

The Twelve Chairs
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Date of publication: 22 May 2024
Updated: 14 July 2024
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Authors: 
Ilya Ilf, Yevgeny Petrov
Original title: rus. Двенадцать стульев · 1928
Content: 
This material is prepared for educational purposes and is not a reproduction of the original text. We do not use protected elements of the work (text, structure, unique scenes).
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