Journey to the West: Which Version To Buy?

[Gyt Kaliba]

My apologies since this topic is a little bit off topic, but as Journey has been discussed many times in the past, I hoped it was at least relevant enough to ask about. I've been interested in checking out this story for a long time now, and may finally cave in the near future. That said though, there's the question of which version to go for? It's my understanding that not only are there multiple translations of the story over the years, there are also versions that abridge things or flat out only include certain stories from the entire overall story. What I would be looking for would be both a good translation, as well as something that contained the entirety of the story. Which version would be the version to go for in that case?

[VegettoEX]

There's only one option: Anthony C. Yu's translation. It received an update in 2012. Don't bother with any other version, translation, abridged collection, etc. This is all you should ever read.

It's long. Four volumes (1 / 2 / 3 / 4). The entire story and all the poetry.

[fadeddreams5]

Definitely want to look into this myself. >.>

[Kamiccolo9]

There's only one option: Anthony C. Yu's translation. It received an update in 2012. Don't bother with any other version, translation, abridged collection, etc. This is all you should ever read.

It's long. Four volumes (1 / 2 / 3 / 4). The entire story and all the poetry.

Yu's is the best scholarly version, but for someone who just wants to delve into the story itself, I would actually suggest Waley's translation. It's abridged and somewhat dated, yes, but it's so much more "beginner friendly," I guess.

Personally, I would recommend reading Waley's translation, and, if you like it and want to delve deeper into it, check out Wu's. I personally found Wu's translation a bit stuffy, and the unabridged work can be pretty repetitive at times, but our glorious leader is right in that it is the definitive comprehensive version of the story in English.

http://www.amazon.com/Monkey-Novel-Chin ... 263&sr=1-1

Bottom line, it depends on what you're interested in. If you want a faster-paced story, and are okay with the knowledge that you are not getting all of the content, then go with Waley. If you want the most comprehensive translation, and are willing to put up with the idiosyncrasies of the novel, and have time to spare to read 2000 pages, go with Wu.

[VegettoEX]

I'd normally agree (based on how approachable it is), but Waley's version doesn't really include any of the monster-of-the-week stuff, which is where most of the fun is. It's primarily vignettes with the group helping out villages. That's cool and all, but I need monster guts and I'll be damned if I recommend a version without poop.

But yeah. You can read Waley's first if you want.

[Kamiccolo9]

I'd normally agree (based on how approachable it is), but Waley's version doesn't really include any of the monster-of-the-week stuff, which is where most of the fun is. It's primarily vignettes with the group helping out villages. That's cool and all, but I need monster guts and I'll be damned if I recommend a version without poop.

Fair enough. I just thought I'd make sure that Gyt knew the option was available.

[Gyt Kaliba]

Geez, you aren't kidding about that length. I always knew the story was long and was sometimes separated into different volumes, but...well, let's just say now I realize there's probably not an all in one copy, because good lord, who could carry a book that big.

Much obliged though, adding those to my Amazon wishlist! I've just now got to debate if I want to spring for the pretty expensive hardcover copies, or just go with the paperbacks...kind of leaning towards the hardcovers cuz I can't imagine paperbacks of books that big lasting too long.

Thanks for the info about the abridged version as well, Kamicollo. I could go for that too I suppose, but with books this pricey I'd probably not want to have to double dip in the near future...but maybe if I can find a decently priced used copy of that version, I might nab it while saving up more so for the other books.

[Kamiccolo9]

Also, and I haven't checked this, and if you have an E-reader, but with a book this old, you may be able to find it in the Kindle store for free. Not sure if it'll be there, or what translation they'll have if it is, but it's worth a look.

[Eire]

The book may be old, but the translation is another piece of copyright- the one mentioned here is from early 80s.
Gutenberg has no translation given and I doubt that's Anthony C. Yu's- but Amazon has kindle version. Not cheap, but definitely worth it.

[Kamiccolo9]

The book may be old, but the translation is another piece of copyright- the one mentioned here is from early 80s.
Gutenberg has no translation given and I doubt that's Anthony C. Yu's- but Amazon has kindle version. Not cheap, but definitely worth it.

Yeah, like I said, I wasn't sure, but it was worth a shot.