Absolutely Beautiful ! Thank you.
Quality: 5
Value for money: 5
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‘A delectable introduction to Chinese literature.’
- David Lattimore, New York Times
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Haven’t read this book yet. It also is for a birthday present. This one is in August.
Quality: 5
Amazing edition
Quality: 5
Value for money: 5
The Magical Monkey: A Virtual Reality Chinese Folk Tale from the 16th Century Monkey Is a beautifully constructed book, and magnificently; intricately illustrated. The book was also well protected, swaddle-wrapped in rolls of crinkled paper, carefully packed and sent in a size-fitting box. It also took the shortest time to arrive for the first time; just over a week. It usually takes about three weeks or slightly more to arrive in Canada via Spain. The extraordinary character of Monkey (with his cudgel) orchestrates an incredible cast of heavenly, earthly, and oceanic beings. He does all this well beyond the capacity and prowess of ordinary folk, in order to benefit all, through justice, care, wisdom and compassion. The fictional Chinese Buddhist monk, Xuanzang, whose Buddhist name is Tripitaka, travels to India between the years of 629 and 645 to seek the Buddha for scrolls of his teachings to provide documentary access of the faith of the Chinese Buddhist community. These scrolls contained the sutras and his sermons to take back to China. Monkey is chosen to lead Tripitaka and his small entourage of extraordinary companions: Pigsy with his rake, Sandy, a dragon, including the white horse who carries Tripitaka throughout his travels on the long journey to the west of China. Each of these creatures are in stages of redemption and transformation for misdemeanours in their past lives. Along the way, they meet the compassionate Bodhisattva Kuan Yin who heeds the suffering cries of humanity throughout the earthly world; Manjusri, who slashes delusion with his sword to foster enlightenment. They meet the philosopher and alchemic researcher and founder of the Elixir of Immortality, Lao Zu, and his followers; and eventually, the Buddha in person. Despite deterrent obstacles, challenges, some horribly deadly cited in almost every chapter, the Immortal Monkey ( Immortal because he stole and drank Lao Zu’s elixir), through his occasional wisdom, magic cudgel and quick wit, saves the day and the lives of his companions and countless others. This book is a page turner, according to its eminent translator Arthur Waley who writes: " . . .and if you want to find out what happens next, you must listen to the next chapter." Who can possibly resist such an invitation? I would recommend Monkey for anyone who is interested in reading Asian or oriental Literature or Religious culture. For me, after reading each chapter, I felt my day honoured with a refreshing and light-hearted sense of humour, which tinged each day with delight. And to think of being able to hitch a ride on a cloud to any domain, well, what a splendid idea! From Betty W-K Ottawa, Canada.
Quality: 5
Value for money: 5
Loved the contrast between the book and slipcase cover. Haven’t read the book yet so can only comment on the gorgeous exterior.
Quality: 5
Value for money: 5
Really enjoying reading this book . Artwork is lovely.
Quality: 5
Value for money: 5
We’ll done. Really like the format.
Quality: 5
Value for money: 5
Beautiful book
Quality: 5
Value for money: 5
Ten characters
Quality: 4
Value for money: 3
1st Book arrived Damage. Second book was perfect. Is Folio selling returned or used book for full price? Outside of box was in perfect shape. Damaged books were sealed inside of box.
Quality: 5
Value for money: 1
Beautiful book, beautifully packaged for safe delivery
Quality: 5
Value for money: 5
Beautiful binding and the perfect size.
Quality: 5
Value for money: 5
This is a wonderful edition and I especially love the splendid delicate illustrations, particularly the dragons! Thank you.
Quality: 5
Value for money: 5
It’s beautifully illustrated and made with welsh paper which made me smile as I’m welsh
Quality: 5
Value for money: 5
Lovely to read Arthur Waleys translation I tjs beautiful edition
Quality: 5
Value for money: 5
Great take on a classic book, really can't find fault and proud to own in my collection
Quality: 5
Value for money: 5
The quality of this production is just exquisite; from the slipcase, to the book's boards, the paper and, certainly not last, the illustrations. Thank you Folio.
Quality: 5
Value for money: 5