Journey to the West

Autorentext

Wu Cheng'en (ca. 1500-1582) was een Chinese schrijver, dichter en ambtenaar uit de Ming-dynastie, geboren in Huai'an, provincie Jiangsu. Hij was bekend om zijn scherpe humor, humanistische blik en diepgaande kennis van het boeddhisme, taoïsme en confucianisme. Wu studeerde aan de Nanking Rijksacademie en diende later als ambtenaar, maar wijdde zich vooral aan literatuur en satire. Zijn naam leeft voort als auteur van Reis naar het Westen (Xiyouji), een van de vier klassieke romans van de Chinese literatuur, waarin volksverhalen, religieuze allegorie en levendige verbeeldingskracht samenkomen.

Klappentext

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.