Valentin Kataev

1897 - 1986

genre: short novel, fairy tale, novel, play, short story, sketch story, opinion journalism

country of citizenship: Russian Empire, Soviet Union

languages spoken, written or signed: Russian

occupation: writer, playwright, screenwriter, poet, children's writer, journalist, science fiction writer, contributing editor, war correspondent

award received: Stalin Prize, Order of Lenin, Hero of Socialist Labour, Order of the October Revolution, Order of the Red Banner of Labour, Order of Friendship of Peoples, Medal "For Valiant Labour in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945", Order of Saint Anna, 4th class, Jubilee Medal "In Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin", Jubilee Medal "Twenty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945", Jubilee Medal "Thirty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945", Jubilee Medal "Forty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945", Medal "In Commemoration of the 800th Anniversary of Moscow", Cross of St. George 3rd class, Cross of St. George 4th class

position held: editor-in-chief

Valentin Petrovich Kataev (Russian: Валенти́н Петро́вич Ката́ев; also spelled Katayev or Kataiev; 28 January [O.S. 16 January] 1897 – 12 April 1986) was a Soviet writer and editor 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 Yevgeny Petrov and Ilya Ilf. In return, Kataev insisted that the novel be dedicated to him, in all editions and translations. Kataev's relentless imagination, sensitivity, and originality made him one of the most distinguished Soviet writers. Source: Wikipedia (en)