This new translation of The Golden Calf - a true classic of Russian literature - marks the first time the complete text is available to English readers. The funniest novel of the Soviet era, this translation is based on the uncensored original, and it restores pieces missing from earlier versions, including a witty "From the Authors" rand about humor and satire. Here, English readers can finally experience the absurd, manic energy adored in the Russian original.<BR>Set during the New Economic Policy (NEP), The Golden Calf chronicles the adventures of con man Ostap Bender (a.k.a., the "Grand Strategist") and his merry band of mischief-makers on a raucously hilarious jaunt across the "wild west" of the early Soviet Union. Their mark: Alexander Koreiko, another shady figure who exploited the corruption and chaos of the NEP to become an "underground millionaire." Once Bender hears of Koreiko, the chase is on. It's time to con the con man and get the rubles necessary to escape to the beaches and white pants of Rio de Janeiro.