"The Little Golden Calf" is a satirical novel by Russian author Ilf and Petrov, published in 1931. It follows the adventures of a con artist named Ostap Bender as he navigates the challenges of Soviet society. The story highlights the absurdities of bureaucracy and the pursuit of wealth in a rapidly changing world. The novel is set in the early years of the Soviet Union and critiques the materialism and corruption that emerged during this period. Through humor and wit, it explores themes of greed, ambition, and the quest for a better life, making it a significant work in Russian literature.