Born in Moscow on February 24, 1769, Ivan Krylov showed literary talent from an early age. Although he did not receive extensive formal education, he was self-taught and fluent in several languages. Krylov began his career writing tragedies and comedies, but found his true calling in writing fables. His first collection of fables, published in 1809, was a resounding success and established his reputation. Throughout his life, Krylov published nine collections of fables, totaling over 200 works. His most famous fables include 'The Fly and the Ant', 'The Crow and the Fox', and 'The Sick Lion'. Krylov's fables were not just entertainment; they served as social and political commentary, often using animals to represent human types and criticize the flaws of Russian society. His language was accessible and witty, making his works popular among all social classes. Krylov spent much of his life in St. Petersburg, where he worked as a librarian and historian. He was a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. His influence on Russian literature is immense, and his fables continue to be read and appreciated to this day, both in Russia and around the world. Ivan Krylov passed away in St. Petersburg on November 21, 1844.