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Product: Book
ISBN-10: 0-8021-3086-0
ISBN-13: 9780802130860
Publisher: Grove Press
Country:
Year: January 12, 1994
Size: 13.82 x 20.88 x 2.08cm
Number of pages: 320
Weight: 363gr
Binding: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0-8021-3086-0
ISBN-13: 9780802130860
Publisher: Grove Press
Country:
Year: January 12, 1994
Size: 13.82 x 20.88 x 2.08cm
Number of pages: 320
Weight: 363gr
Binding: Paperback
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Product Description
Probably the most popular book in the history of the Far East, this classic sixteenth century novel is a combination of picaresque novel and folk epic that mixes satire, allegory, and history into a rollicking adventure. It is the story of the roguish Monkey and his encounters with major and minor spirits, gods, demigods, demons, ogres, monsters, and fairies. This translation, by the distinguished scholar Arthur Waley, is the first accurate English version; it makes available to the Western reader a faithful reproduction of the spirit and meaning of the original.
reviews
monkey 
Monkey is the most deliteful journey to enlightenment. I am it's biggest fan. I highly encourage anyone and everyone to read it regardless of age or education. It will teach you most everything you will ever need to know.
Monkey is the most deliteful journey to enlightenment. I am it's biggest fan. I highly encourage anyone and everyone to read it regardless of age or education. It will teach you most everything you will ever need to know.
Chinese Equivalent of Grimm's Fairy Tales 
The original name of this story is Journey to the West. It is the Chinese equivalent of Grimm's Fairy Tales. Like Snow White or other beloved Western fairy tales, every Chinese child knows this epic story of the Monkey King and his companions' journey to the West to seek enlightenment. Along the way, these voyagers encounter demons, fairies and other fantastic characters. I had heard this story many times when I was little and I am still enchanted by the story now that I am a parent. I highly recommend this book for both parents and children. Each chapter is a complete story so it's a great bedtime read.
The original name of this story is Journey to the West. It is the Chinese equivalent of Grimm's Fairy Tales. Like Snow White or other beloved Western fairy tales, every Chinese child knows this epic story of the Monkey King and his companions' journey to the West to seek enlightenment. Along the way, these voyagers encounter demons, fairies and other fantastic characters. I had heard this story many times when I was little and I am still enchanted by the story now that I am a parent. I highly recommend this book for both parents and children. Each chapter is a complete story so it's a great bedtime read.
Beware of printer error
The copy that Amazon sent was misbound at the printer: pages 119 through 150 appear twice in succession, while pages 151 through 182 are missing. My copy is the 46th printing of the 7th edition (Grove Press). Unless you can confirm in advance that your copy will be a corrected printing, or you are willing to return the book, I recommend getting the book where you can inspect it first. (Note: I'm required to give the book a star rating in order to post this warning. Please discount this rating as an evaluation of the book's content.)
The copy that Amazon sent was misbound at the printer: pages 119 through 150 appear twice in succession, while pages 151 through 182 are missing. My copy is the 46th printing of the 7th edition (Grove Press). Unless you can confirm in advance that your copy will be a corrected printing, or you are willing to return the book, I recommend getting the book where you can inspect it first. (Note: I'm required to give the book a star rating in order to post this warning. Please discount this rating as an evaluation of the book's content.)
A cautionary note on this fine book
My copy of »Childhood in Contemporary Cultures« (edited by Margaret Mead, published 1955) warns that the Waley translation »includes only thirty out of the one hundred chapters of the original text, and many of the most significant episodes have been omitted.« A glance through these reviews and I don't see that anyone has caught the fact that this translation contains barely 1/3 of the original Chinese book. Admittedly it's the only game in town, but this is still significant information.
My copy of »Childhood in Contemporary Cultures« (edited by Margaret Mead, published 1955) warns that the Waley translation »includes only thirty out of the one hundred chapters of the original text, and many of the most significant episodes have been omitted.« A glance through these reviews and I don't see that anyone has caught the fact that this translation contains barely 1/3 of the original Chinese book. Admittedly it's the only game in town, but this is still significant information.
Not van Gulik's China 
I only rate Monkey 1 star because I could not get into it. So my review is only based on trying to read a few pages. I suppose I was hoping for something like the Judge Dee stories by Robert van Gulik, which have their own lovely, simple style. Maybe someday I can get over the energy barrier and give it another try. But if you're a Judge Dee fan, don't be sure you can get yourself into this story.
I only rate Monkey 1 star because I could not get into it. So my review is only based on trying to read a few pages. I suppose I was hoping for something like the Judge Dee stories by Robert van Gulik, which have their own lovely, simple style. Maybe someday I can get over the energy barrier and give it another try. But if you're a Judge Dee fan, don't be sure you can get yourself into this story.
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© 1994–2010 Sascha Hendel
last update: 3/14/2010
URL: http://www.book-info.com/isbn/0-8021-3086-0.htm
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