Wu Cheng'en

One of the world's greatest fantasy novels, and a timeless classic of Chinese literatureOne of China's Four Great Classical Novels, Monkey King was written anonymously during the Ming dynasty and is most commonly attributed to Wu Cheng'en, the son of a silk-shop clerk from east China. It recounts a Tang-dynasty monk's quest for Buddhist scriptures, accompanied by an omni-talented kung-fu Monkey King called Sun Wukong; a rice-loving divine pig; and a depressive man-eating river-sand monster.Comparable to The Canterbury Tales or Don Quixote, the tale is at once a comic adventure story, a humorous satire of Chinese bureaucracy, a spring of spiritual insight and an extended allegory in which the group of pilgrims journeys towards enlightenment.

90 classic titles celebrating 90 years of Penguin BooksWu Cheng’en’s 16th-century novel Journey to the West is widely regarded as one of the most important Chinese novels ever written. Here, in Julia Lovell’s witty and charismatic translation, we meet one of its heroes: Sun Wukong, or Monkey King, whose powers include shape-shifting, immortality and being incredibly rude. Though he rises to a position of power in the heavenly bureaucracy, Monkey King’s arrogant exploits attract the attention of the Buddha – with very unfortunate consequences.

Embark on the adventure that has captivated readers for centuries. In this timeless Chinese classic, a clever and rebellious monkey rises from humble origins to become one of the most powerful creatures in existence-only to find that his greatest challenge lies in learning to serve rather than rule.In this epic tale, Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King, joins the monk Xuanzang on an impossible quest to retrieve sacred Buddhist scriptures from India. Alongside a reformed pig-spirit and a repentant river demon, they battle fearsome monsters, outwit treacherous spirits, and face trials that test not just their strength but their very souls.This beloved masterpiece weaves together thrilling action, magical encounters, and profound wisdom, creating an unforgettable journey that has influenced countless works of fantasy and adventure. Through its pages, readers will discover why this 16th-century novel continues to enchant audiences worldwide, offering timeless insights about redemption, friendship, and the power of transformation.Complete and unabridged, this new translation by M. T. Wu presents the first and second books of the Monkey King's adventures in contemporary English that modern readers can enjoy. At the same it, it preserves the action, wonder, and spiritual depth found in the original Chinese. This translation also provides extensive historical and cultural commentary, and it features the poetic interludes that highlight events in the story, providing additional emphasis and beauty. Often omitted in other translations, the poems are included here in their entirety.Perfect for lovers of mythology, spiritual quests, and grand adventures, Journey to the West stands as one of world literature's greatest achievements-a story where every chapter brings new wonders, and every page turns with the promise of magic.Experience the epic that shaped Eastern literature and continues to inspire creators across the globe. Your journey begins here.