Journey to t
he West in the six book hardback set from Library of Chinese Classics. This book is in English and simplified Chinese and is a wonderful addition to any library. There are approximately 3375 pages and this set of 6 books was published in 2000. This contains the complete and unabridged Journey to the West, preserving faithfully both the style and content of the original text.
Journey to the West Synopsis
Journey to the West is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, probably by Wu Cheng’en. Journey to the West is a fictionalised account of the legendary pilgrimage to India of the monk Xuanzang. The Bodhisattva Guan Yin, on instruction from the Buddha, gives this task to the monk and his three protectors in the form of disciples. These three protectors have agreed to help Xuanzang as an atonement for past sins.
Journey to the West has a strong background in folk religion, Chinese mythology and Chinese value systems. Journey to the West is at once an adventure story, a spring of spiritual insight, and an extended allegory in which the group of pilgrims journeying toward India represents individuals journeying toward enlightenment.
Journey to the West is part of Library of Chinese Classics and there are over 60 books in the series so far.