85 pages • 2 hours read
Wu Cheng'en, Transl. Anthony C. YuThe Journey to the West: Volume I
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1592A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.