Ilya Ilf was a Russian writer and journalist, born on October 15, 1897, in Odessa, which was then part of the Russian Empire. He is best known for his collaboration with Evgeny Petrov on a series of satirical novels that captured the spirit of Soviet life in the 1920s and 1930s. Their most famous works include The Twelve Chairs and The Little Golden Calf, which humorously critique the social and political landscape of the time. Ilf's writing style is characterized by sharp wit and keen observation, making his works both entertaining and thought-provoking. He also worked as a journalist, contributing to various publications and covering significant events in Soviet history. Ilya Ilf passed away on April 13, 1937, but his literary legacy continues to influence Russian literature.