# The Twelve Chairs

> 1928 novel by Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov

**Wikidata**: [Q245194](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q245194)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twelve_Chairs)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-twelve-chairs-q245194

## Summary
*The Twelve Chairs* is a 1928 satirical novel co-authored by Soviet writers Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov, published in 1928. It is a foundational work of Soviet literature, introducing the iconic character Ostap Bender and offering a witty critique of Soviet bureaucracy and societal norms. The novel is celebrated for its sharp humor and insightful social commentary, making it a cornerstone of 20th-century satire.

## Key Facts
- **Authors:** Co-written by Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov, collectively known as the "Ilf and Petrov" duo.
- **Publication Date:** Published in 1928 (inception dated to 1927).
- **Genre:** Satirical novel, featuring elements of prose and feuilleton.
- **Setting:** Primarily set in the Soviet Union, critiquing its bureaucratic and societal structures.
- **Main Character:** Ostap Bender, a fictional conman who becomes a cultural archetype.
- **Language:** Originally written in Russian.
- **Publisher:** Published by the Soviet publishing house "Moskovsky Rabochiy."
- **Sequel:** Followed by *The Little Golden Calf* (1931), also co-authored by Ilf and Petrov.
- **Literary Significance:** One of the most influential satirical works in Soviet literature, shaping the genre of Soviet humor and satire.
- **Cultural Impact:** The character Ostap Bender became a symbol of Soviet-era wit and resistance to conformity.
- **Wikidata ID:** Q105667337
- **Wikipedia Title:** The Twelve Chairs
- **Aliases:** "12 Chairs," "Twelve Chairs," "The 12 Chairs"
- **Country of Origin:** Soviet Union
- **Instance of:** Literary work, satirical novel
- **Followed by:** *The Little Golden Calf* (1931)
- **Genre:** Satire, prose, feuilleton
- **Publisher:** Moskovsky Rabochiy
- **Publication Date:** 1928
- **Inception Date:** 1927
- **Sitelink Count:** 35
- **Wikidata Description:** 1928 novel by Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov

## FAQs
**Who wrote *The Twelve Chairs*?**
*The Twelve Chairs* was co-written by Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov, the Soviet writing duo known as "Ilf and Petrov."

**What is the novel about?**
The novel follows the adventures of Ostap Bender, a conman who navigates the absurdities of Soviet bureaucracy, ultimately leading to a series of chaotic events.

**What is Ostap Bender?**
Ostap Bender is the central character in *The Twelve Chairs*, a fictional conman who becomes a symbol of Soviet-era wit and resistance to conformity.

**When was *The Twelve Chairs* published?**
The novel was published in 1928, with an inception date of 1927.

**What genre does *The Twelve Chairs* belong to?**
It is a satirical novel, featuring elements of prose and feuilleton.

**What is the relationship between *The Twelve Chairs* and *The Little Golden Calf*?**
*The Little Golden Calf* (1931) is the sequel to *The Twelve Chairs*, continuing the adventures of Ostap Bender.

**What is the cultural significance of *The Twelve Chairs*?**
The novel is celebrated for its sharp humor and insightful social commentary, making it a cornerstone of Soviet satire and a symbol of 20th-century literary wit.

**Who is the publisher of *The Twelve Chairs*?**
The novel was published by the Soviet publishing house "Moskovsky Rabochiy."

**What languages is *The Twelve Chairs* available in?**
The novel was originally written in Russian and has been translated into multiple languages.

**What is the role of satire in *The Twelve Chairs*?**
Satire is a central element, critiquing Soviet bureaucracy, societal norms, and the absurdities of daily life.

## Why It Matters
*The Twelve Chairs* is a seminal work of Soviet literature that revolutionized the genre of satire in the Soviet Union. Its sharp humor and insightful social commentary provided a much-needed critique of bureaucratic inefficiency and societal conformity, resonating with readers for its authenticity and wit. The novel introduced Ostap Bender, a character who became a cultural icon, embodying the spirit of resistance and cleverness in the face of oppressive systems. Beyond its immediate impact, *The Twelve Chairs* laid the groundwork for Soviet satire, influencing generations of writers and shaping the literary landscape of the 20th century. Its enduring legacy ensures its place as a foundational text in the study of Soviet literature and satire.

## Notable For
- Being a foundational work of Soviet satire, critiquing bureaucracy and societal norms.
- Introducing the iconic character Ostap Bender, a cultural symbol of Soviet wit.
- Co-authored by the legendary "Ilf and Petrov" duo, one of the most influential Soviet writing partnerships.
- Published in 1928, shaping the literary landscape of the 20th century.
- Celebrated for its sharp humor and insightful social commentary.
- Serving as a precursor to *The Little Golden Calf*, a sequel that continued the adventures of Ostap Bender.
- Originally written in Russian and later translated into multiple languages.
- Published by the Soviet publishing house "Moskovsky Rabochiy."
- Having a significant cultural impact, influencing Soviet satire and humor for decades.
- Being a cornerstone of Soviet literature, ensuring its enduring legacy in literary studies.

## Body

### Definition and Nature
*The Twelve Chairs* is a 1928 satirical novel co-authored by Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov. It is a foundational work of Soviet literature, known for its sharp humor and insightful social commentary. The novel follows the adventures of Ostap Bender, a fictional conman who becomes a cultural archetype, navigating the absurdities of Soviet bureaucracy. It is celebrated for its wit and authenticity, critiquing societal norms and the inefficiencies of the system.

### Classification and Relationships
*The Twelve Chairs* is classified as a literary work and a satirical novel. It is linked to the following identifiers and classifications:
- **Wikidata ID:** Q105667337
- **Wikipedia Title:** The Twelve Chairs
- **Aliases:** "12 Chairs," "Twelve Chairs," "The 12 Chairs"
- **Country of Origin:** Soviet Union
- **Instance of:** Literary work, satirical novel
- **Followed by:** *The Little Golden Calf* (1931)
- **Genre:** Satire, prose, feuilleton
- **Publisher:** Moskovsky Rabochiy
- **Publication Date:** 1928
- **Inception Date:** 1927
- **Sitelink Count:** 35
- **Wikidata Description:** 1928 novel by Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov

### Properties and Identifiers
*The Twelve Chairs* is associated with a wide range of properties, including:
- **P18:** The Twelve Chairs monument.jpg
- **P244:** no2016029778, no2016029786
- **P373:** The Twelve Chairs
- **P646:** /m/0316t1
- **P648:** OL2196450W
- **P1085:** 183592
- **P1417:** topic/The-Twelve-Chairs
- **P1476:** Двенадцать стульев
- **P1651:** OFMwE7OZfa0
- **P1922:** В уездном городе N было так много парикмахерских заведений и бюро похоронных процессий, что, казалось, жители города рождаются лишь затем, чтобы побриться, остричься, освежить голову вежеталем и сразу же умереть.
- **P2093:** Ilf and Petrov
- **P3132:** Великолепное осеннее утро скатилось с мокрых крыш на улицы Москвы. Город двинулся в будничный свой поход.
- **P3959:** 002303760, 002652203, 002563365, 001175527
- **P7439:** 182817
- **P8189:** 987007350441405171

### Cultural and Academic Context
*The Twelve Chairs* is a foundational text in the study of Soviet literature and satire. It is linked to:
- **University of Barcelona authority ID:** 981060927480506706
- **Dictionary of Archives Terminology ID:** literary-works
- **Encyclopedia of China (third edition) ID:** 223088
- **Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging ID:** 13535
- **Thesaurus Linguae Aegyptiae ID:** R5CMB55TONDPPKYZCQSNGMQASA

### Maintenance and Curation
*The Twelve Chairs* is maintained by WikiProject Books, ensuring its accurate documentation and categorization. It is also part of the "Category: Literary works" and associated with the "Template: Infobox literary work" for structured representation.

### Distinction from Other Concepts
*The Twelve Chairs* is distinct from other literary works by its unique blend of satire and social commentary, as well as its enduring cultural impact. It is different from general written works by its specific focus on critiquing Soviet bureaucracy and societal norms.

### Role in Digital and Cultural Archives
*The Twelve Chairs* is cataloged and preserved in digital and cultural archives using specific identifiers and classification systems, ensuring its long-term accessibility and scholarly engagement.

### Historical Context
*The Twelve Chairs* was written and published during the Soviet era, reflecting the political and social climate of the time. The novel's critique of bureaucracy and societal norms resonated with readers, making it a significant work of its era.

### External Identifiers and Archival Data
*The Twelve Chairs* is cataloged in numerous databases and libraries with the following identifiers:
- **ISNI:** 0000000121235608
- **VIAF:** 22143414
- **GND:** 11870866X
- **LCCN:** n50031589
- **BNF:** 119081889
- **ULAN:** 500044425
- **NLA:** 3634866
- **NDL:** 00444205
- **BIBSYS:** 90206717
- **SUDOC:** 026930153
- **BNE:** XX1010718
- **NKC:** jn19981001519
- **B2B:** 111520
- **ICCU:** CFIV087241
- **J9U:** 9810700624705606
- **NLA:** 53062760
- **RKDartists:** 8986472
- **SNAC:** 22143414
- **LIR:** 2239
- **KANT:** 562239
- **NUKAT:** 9910205609705606
- **WLA:** 79526
- **CBA:** 776493
- **RERO:** 981005684139709366
- **VIAF:** 10534
- **SELIBR:** 101484
- **ORCID:** 0000000121235608
- **NLI:** 987007280449105171
- **PTBNP:** 27724
- **WorldCat Identities:** lccn-n50031589
- **B611:** 11870866X
- **CERL Thesaurus:** cnp01945822
- **IdRef:** 070582394
- **CONOR:** 90075820
- **LNB:** 000407544
- **NLP:** A000085078
- **NUKAT:** 9910636356605606
- **SIKART:** 79526
- **TLS:** 11870866X
- **Trove:** 27130
- **BNE:** XX1010718
- **Open Library:** OL4281817A, OL4508704A, OL2197124A
- **IdRef:** 11870866X
- **Freebase:** /m/0374k8
- **MusicBrainz:** 3914105
- **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID:** 119081889
- **GND ID:** 11870866X
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n50031589
- **VIAF ID:** 22143414
- **ISNI:** 0000000121235608
- **NLA Trove ID:** 27130
- **NKC ID:** jn19981001519
- **BIBSYS ID:** 90206717
- **ULAN ID:** 500044425
- **LCCN ID:** n50031589
- **BNF ID:** 119081889
- **NDL ID:** 00444205
- **RKDartists ID:** 8986472
- **ICCU ID:** CFIV087241
- **SUDOC ID:** 026930153
- **B2B ID:** 111520
- **J9U ID:** 9810700624705606
- **NLA ID:** 53062760
- **LIR ID:** 2239
- **KANT ID:** 562239
- **NUKAT ID:** 9910205609705606
- **WLA ID:** 79526
- **CBA ID:** 776493
- **RERO ID:** 981005684139709366
- **VIAF (clone) ID:** 10534
- **SELIBR ID:** 101484
- **ORCID ID:** 0000000121235608
- **NLI ID:** 987007280449105171
- **PTBNP ID:** 27724
- **WorldCat Identities ID:** lccn-n50031589
- **B611 ID:** 11870866X
- **CERL Thesaurus ID:** cnp01945822
- **IdRef ID:** 070582394
- **CONOR ID:** 90075820
- **LNB ID:** 000407544
- **NLP ID:** A000085078
- **NUKAT ID:** 9910636356605606
- **SIKART ID:** 79526
- **TLS ID:** 11870866X
- **Trove ID:** 27130
- **BNE ID:** XX1010718
- **Open Library IDs:** OL4281817A, OL4508704A, OL2197124A
- **Freebase ID:** /m/0374k8
- **MusicBrainz Artist ID:** 3914105
- **IMDb ID:** nm0407633
- **Wikidata ID:** Q465826
- **Wikipedia Title:** Ilya Ilf
- **Wikidata Description:** Soviet writer and journalist (1897–1937)

## References

1. The Twelve Chairs monument in Odesa
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute