Complete Collection of Aesop's Fables

Author: Krylov
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2003-03-01
Features: Krylov's fables cover a wide range of topics and are profound in meaning, using metaphors to comment on contemporary issues. The structure of his fables is generally concise, transforming simple, admonitory tales into satirical works enjoyed by all. The great Russian literary critic Belinsky once said: "Krylov's fables— they are not mere fables, but novels, comedies, humorous sketches, and biting satirical works. In short, they can be described in any way, but they are not simple fables." In his fables, Krylov mocked the various vices fostered under the exploitative system—envy, stinginess, hypocrisy, flattery, ignorance, selfishness—and praised the excellent qualities of the working people—hard work, courage, simplicity, kindness, mutual help, and selflessness. Krylov's fables possess broad popular appeal and distinct Russian characteristics. He had a deep understanding of Russian reality and showed great sympathy for the suffering peasantry under serfdom. He mercilessly exposed the tyranny of the Tsar and the crimes of the ruling class, directing his satire primarily at corrupt officials, sometimes even targeting the Tsar himself. Krylov's fables embody progressive democratic ideals and a spirit of critical realism. In the history of Russian literature, he is regarded as a pioneer of Russia's great satirical writers, such as Griboyedov, Gogol, and Saltykov-Shchedrin. Krylov's fables are widely known in Russia. The great revolutionary leader Lenin loved Krylov's fables from a young age and could recite many of them. In his debates with opponents, Lenin often used Krylov's fables to satirize them. Statistics show that Lenin quoted Krylov's fables more than fifty times in his works.
I. A. Krylov (1769–1844) was one of Russia's most outstanding fabulist. He wrote poetry, comedies, satirical prose, and served as an editor for progressive publications, only beginning to write fables in his later years. He believed that the fable genre was accessible and loved by all, and its metaphorical language allowed authors to express views and beliefs that rulers might prohibit. Over his lifetime, Krylov wrote a total of 203 fables, all in verse. He incorporated and refined a vast number of fairy tales and proverbs reflecting the wisdom of the Russian people, and some of his memorable lines later became new proverbs passed down among the people. Krylov's works enriched the literary language of Russia, and Pushkin called him a "poet rich in popular spirit" of his time.
Krylov's fables cover a wide range of topics and are profound in meaning, using metaphors to comment on contemporary issues. The structure of his fables is generally concise, transforming simple, admonitory tales into satirical works enjoyed by all. The great Russian literary critic Belinsky once said: "Krylov's fables— they are not mere fables, but novels, comedies, humorous sketches, and biting satirical works. In short, they can be described in any way, but they are not simple fables." In his fables, Krylov mocked the various vices fostered under the exploitative system—envy, stinginess, hypocrisy, flattery, ignorance, selfishness—and praised the excellent qualities of the working people—hard work, courage, simplicity, kindness, mutual help, and selflessness. Krylov's fables possess broad popular appeal and distinct Russian characteristics. He had a deep understanding of Russian reality and showed great sympathy for the suffering peasantry under serfdom. He mercilessly exposed the tyranny of the Tsar and the crimes of the ruling class, directing his satire primarily at corrupt officials, sometimes even targeting the Tsar himself. Krylov's fables embody progressive democratic ideals and a spirit of critical realism. In the history of Russian literature, he is regarded as a pioneer of Russia's great satirical writers, such as Griboyedov, Gogol, and Saltykov-Shchedrin. Krylov's fables are widely known in Russia. The great revolutionary leader Lenin loved Krylov's fables from a young age and could recite many of them. In his debates with opponents, Lenin often used Krylov's fables to satirize them. Statistics show that Lenin quoted Krylov's fables more than fifty times in his works.