85 pages • 2 hours read
The Journey to the West: Volume I
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Book Brief
Journey to the West: Volume I
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1592574
Novel • Fiction
Ancient China • Tang Dynasty
1592
Adult
12+ years
Super Short Summary
The Journey to the West: Volume I, translated and edited by Anthony C. Yu, follows the early adventures of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, born from stone, who becomes skilled in Daoist arts, defies Heaven, and is eventually imprisoned by the Buddha. Meanwhile, Xuanzang, the pilgrim monk, is tasked with a quest to retrieve sacred Buddhist scriptures from India, accompanied by Wukong and other redeemed beings. This volume includes themes of revenge, wrongful death, and encounters with bandits.
Fantastical
Adventurous
Humorous
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
2,550 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Journey to the West: Volume I by Wu Cheng'en, translated by Anthony C. Yu, is praised for its faithful, engaging translation that captures the original's wit and depth. Yu's extensive annotations help contextualize cultural references, yet some readers find them overwhelming. Despite its complexity, this volume shines as a foundational piece of Chinese literature.
Who Should Read Journey to the West: Volume I?
Readers who enjoy Journey to the West: Volume I by Wu Cheng'en and transl. Anthony C. Yu are typically enthusiasts of classic Chinese literature, mythology, and folklore. Similar to fans of Homer's Odyssey and The Arabian Nights, they appreciate epic tales with rich historical and cultural contexts.
2,550 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
574
Novel • Fiction
Ancient China • Tang Dynasty
1592
Adult
12+ years
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