For those interested in Chinese Culture, literature and even Chinese Kung Fu, reading the major classics of China is an imperative. Among those classics are the famous Romance of the Three Kingdoms, A Dream of Red Mansions and of course Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en. Journey to the West is a mythological novel based on many centuries of popular tradition. It was probably put into its present form in the 1570's by Wu Cheng'en (1500-1582). This lively fantasy relates the amazing adventures of the priest Sanzang as he travels west in search of Buddhist sutras with his three disciples, the irreverent and capable Monkey, greedy Pig, and Friar Sand. The opening chapter recount the exploits of Monkey, culminating in his rebellion against heaven. We then learn how Sanzang became a monk and was sent on his pilgrimage by the Tang emperor who had escaped death with the help of an Underworld official. The main story, the journey, takes the priest through all kinds of entertaining trials and tribulations, mainly at the hands of monsters and spirirts who want to eat him. Only the courage and powers of his disciples, especially Monkey, save him from death. Monkey is the hero of the fantasy, and the reader will soon learn why he has long been so loved in China. Will the pilgrims reach the Vulture Peak and obtain the scriptures? The answer will only be found at the end of the 100 chapter novel. The story is as full of imagination as Monkey is of magic, and packed with incdient and down-to-earh humor. The illustrations are from 19th century Chinese edition. This is the Soft Cover Version of the Novel and is translated by W.J.F. Jenner. It includes four books the shipping fee is $5.50 in USA |
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