Валентин Петрович Катаев

Валентин Петрович Катаев was a Russian and Soviet novelist and playwright who managed to create penetrating works discussing post-revolutionary social conditions without running afoul of the demands of official Soviet style. Kataev is credited with suggesting the idea for The Twelve Chairs to his brother Yevgeni Petrov and Ilya Ilf. In return, Kataev insisted that the novel be dedicated to him, in all editions and translations. Real Name: Валентин Петрович Катаев (English: Valentin Petrovich Kataev, also spelled Katayev or Kataiev) Born: 28 January [O.S. 16 January] 1897 Died: 12 April 1986