Ivan Andreevich Krylov. Basni. Fables. Moscow: Sytin, I.D. Company, 1902. Ivan Andreevich Krylov (1769-1844), the most popular and prolific fable writer in Russia, was instrumental in establishing the Russian fable tradition. Beginning with his first published book of fables in 1809, his satirical treatment of recognizable social types disguised as beasts made a strong connection with a broad audience. Krylov’s aphorisms and parables-many of which highlight the virtues of common sense and hard work-endure in the Russian language to this day.
