Monkey - Wu Ch’Êng-Ên translated by Arthur Waley (Penguin Classics) undated

Monkey - Wu Ch’Êng-Ên translated by Arthur Waley (Penguin Classics) undated. Paperback repair to small tear on cover. Drawing inside front cover. 

Monkey by Wu Ch’eng-en is the celebrated English translation by Arthur Waley of the Chinese literary classic Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. First written in the sixteenth century, it follows the pilgrimage of the Buddhist monk Tripitaka as he journeys to India in search of sacred scriptures, accompanied by three extraordinary disciples: the mischievous and immensely powerful Monkey, the gluttonous Pigsy, and the loyal Sandy.

Filled with magical adventures, shape-shifting, demons, dragons, bandits, and celestial beings, Monkey blends humour, fantasy, satire, and spiritual philosophy into an unforgettable tale. Monkey himself—born from a stone egg and gifted with supernatural powers—has become one of the most enduring and beloved characters in world literature. Arthur Waley’s classic translation captures the wit and excitement of the original while making it accessible to English-speaking readers. 

Ideal for readers interested in mythology, folklore, classic fantasy, and Chinese literature, Monkey remains one of the greatest adventure stories ever written.