The Twelve Chairs

"The Twelve Chairs" is a satirical novella written by Soviet authors Ilya Ilf and Evgeny Petrov in the 1920s. It follows the adventures of a former nobleman named Ostap Bender and a disgraced ex-clergyman, Ippolit Matveyevich, as they search for a set of twelve chairs, one of which contains hidden jewels. The story critiques the social and economic issues in post-revolutionary Russia, highlighting themes of greed, ambition, and the absurdity of human pursuits. Through humor and clever dialogue, the narrative reflects on the changing values and struggles of society during that time.