The Journey to the West, Revised Edition, Volume 3 (Volume 3) Paperback – December 20, 2012

Two thumbs up.

I have many translations of this Chinese classic, as well as the original Chinese version. If you want a real feel for this story, you cannot go wrong with this version. Yes, it is long, but so is the original. If you are looking for a very condensed, but well done version, I would also recommend the Arthur Waley translation!!

This is a wonderful translation of one of the Chinese classics. Don't be intimidated by the length, I never tired of the antics of the original Gang of 4. I felt like I had to pick this series up after seeing so many TV sets in Viet Nam with monkey and pig guys flying around on them, and I'm glad I did.

Although the footnotes sometimes get onerous, they really are necessary for a complete understanding of the culture and content behind this book. I recommend this, and all the other volumes in this series by Mr. Yu, to anyone interested in the culture, history and/or Tao! Well worth reading.

Anthony Yu grew up hearing the tales of Monkey. While with the University of Chicago he decided to translate this masterpiece, preserving the verse and as well as the prose sections of this classic work. One of the great pieces of Chinese literature (along with Dreams of Red Mansions, Three Kingdoms, Outlaws of the Marsh, etc.). The verse will be stiff at times (Chinese verse into English is always a challenge), while references will easily escape a Western audience, it is still enjoyable for the many adventures, philosophical leanings and even comedic elements that give this classic a timeless feel. For all it's flaws there really is no better translation into English.

It's not what you'd imagine from a journey novel. Challenges are overcome less so with violence and more with good ol' trolling. Fun to read!

Nothing

A great book. Ahead of its time. Author did a magnificent job