Kryloff, Or Kriloff, Ivan, a Russian author, born in Moscow, Feb. 13, 1768, died in St. Petersburg, Nov. 21, 1844. While a boy he wrote several comedies, and having obtained a place as clerk in one of the public offices, he devoted his leisure to study. In 1801, having been recommended to the empress Maria, he became secretary to Prince Gallitzin. This office, however, was purely honorary, and he spent several years at the country house of the prince, engaged in literary labors. In 1812 he received an appointment in the imperial library, and in 1830 he was made councillor of state. He wrote plays, and contributed to various journals and periodicals, but was most successful in writing fables in imitation of those of La Fontaine. They were collected and published in numerous editions of various styles, cheap and expensive, and are as common in Russian households as the "Pilgrim's Progress" is in England. They were translated into French by several of his friends (Paris, 1825), and have been translated repeatedly into several modern languages.

The best translation in French is by Einerling (Paris, 1845); in English, by Ralston (London, 1871); and in German, by Lowe (Leipsic, 1874).