Abstract: What is the phenomenon of Ivan Krylov? How was his lifetime and posthumous cult formed, and why is he still the same "grandfather" as he was a century and a half ago? How did he achieve such status, popularity, and commercial success for his fables? Why was he the first Russian poet to have a monument erected in the capital? In their search for answers, the authors of the book significantly expand the range of sources (including archival and visual materials) and critically reevaluate Krylov's already established literary connections. This allows E. Lyamina and N. Samover to analyze the facts of his biography in the broad social, cultural, and ideological context of the era, reconstruct the poet's commercial, literary, and behavioral strategies, and trace the process of shaping his public image and literary reputation.