Valentin Kataev books in order
Soviet writer, playwright, screenwriter, poet
- Lived
- 1897–1986
- Country
- Russia
- Books
- 12
Valentin Kataev published 10 novels, 1 non-fiction book and 1 other book, beginning with The Embezzlers (1926). The best-known is The Grass of Oblivion (1967).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Valentin Kataev
Start here
The Grass of Oblivion
Valentin Kataev's most-read book.
Standalone novels in order
The Embezzlers (1926)
Time, Forward! (1933)
Forward, Oh Time (1934)
The I.V. Stalin White Sea (Jan 1934), with Maxim Gorky and Aleksey Tolstoy
A White Sail Gleams (1936)
Lonely White Sail (1937)
The Cottage in the Steppe (1957)
The Grass of Oblivion (1967)
The Holy Well (1967)
Svi︠a︡toĭ Kolodet︠s︡ (1969)
Non-fiction in order
A Mosaic of Life (1973)
Other books in order
Squaring the Circle (1935)
Film and TV adaptations
- The Lonely White Sail (1937)Film · from A White Sail Gleams
About Valentin Kataev
Valentin Petrovich Kataev 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.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Valentin Kataev FAQ
- How many books has Valentin Kataev written?
- Valentin Kataev published 10 novels, 1 non-fiction book and 1 other book that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Valentin Kataev's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with The Grass of Oblivion.
- What is Valentin Kataev's last book?
- A Mosaic of Life (1973).
- What is Valentin Kataev's most famous book?
- The Grass of Oblivion (1967) is Valentin Kataev's most widely read book.
- Which Valentin Kataev books have been adapted?
- 1 book has been adapted for film or TV, including A White Sail Gleams (as The Lonely White Sail, film, 1937).
Authors like Valentin Kataev
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.