Author: [Ming Dynasty] Wu Cheng'en
Publisher: The Commercial Press
Format: Hardback
Genre: Fantasy
Date: April 2016
Pages: 866
Book Series: A Definitive, Unabridged Collection of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese Literature
Number of issues: 5
ISBN: 9787100119696
Language: Chinese
Adaptation: Retelling
Summary:
Journey to the West is a full-length novel imbued with a rich spirit of romanticism, standing as the pinnacle of the "gods and demons" genre in Chinese literary history. Its imaginative scope is both novel and masterful—reaching a level of perfection that has ensured its enduring appeal across generations, captivating readers of all ages and backgrounds. Beyond depicting the lives and social mores of various classes during the Ming Dynasty, the novel transcends the boundaries of time and space; it explores, from a philosophical perspective, the human pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty, while reflecting an indomitable spirit—the human drive to struggle unceasingly to transform both nature and society.
For this edition, we have selected the most widely circulated and influential version of the text as our primary source, cross-referencing it with various other editions—including facsimiles, manuscript copies, annotated versions, and private collection copies. The text is further enhanced by exquisite illustrations, designed to help readers gain a deeper understanding of this classic work.
Drawing upon the latest curriculum standards and current examination trends, experienced educational experts and curriculum researchers have systematically organized the key knowledge points and essential topics covered in the book. Furthermore, utilizing The Contemporary Chinese Dictionary and The Dictionary of Classical Chinese (published by The Commercial Press), we have provided phonetic guides, vocabulary explanations, and definitions to help readers overcome any obstacles they may encounter while reading.
The preface is contributed by Professor Ma Ruifang—a renowned literary critic, author, and featured speaker on the popular television program Lecture Room (Baijia Jiangtan). Her insightful analysis covers the novel’s central themes, characterizations, structural composition, and plot development, offering highly relevant guidance for readers.
