Journey to the West (2025) 西游记
Author: Wu Cheng'en (Ming Dynasty) / Annotated by Li Tianfei
Publisher: Zhonghua Book Company
Format: Paperback
Date: March 2025
Pages: 1262
Book Series: Annotated Series of Classic Chinese Novels
ISBN: 9787101170702
Language: Chinese
Adaptation: Retelling
Summary:
Li Tianfei’s annotated edition of Journey to the West was first published in 2014 as part of the "Series on Annotated Chinese Classic Novels" and has been warmly received by readers. This revised edition further refines the work:
Regarding the original text, while continuing to use the Taiwan Shidetang edition as the base text, the editor has incorporated two other important versions—the Asano edition and the Tenri edition—for cross-reference. This process has allowed for the restoration of missing characters, the insertion of omitted passages, and a more meticulous collation.
The annotations have long been acclaimed for their clarity, depth, and wealth of information. This revision brings the total number of annotations to 3,812. Existing notes have been comprehensively revised and supplemented to correct inaccuracies, while new annotations incorporate fresh scholarly insights and findings from the past decade, as well as definitions for obscure or difficult terms. These updates reflect the editor's sustained dedication and deepening understanding of Journey to the West and the Chinese pantheon of gods and Buddhas over the last ten years.
