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Title: The Tower of Myriad Mirrors: A Supplement to Journey to the West by Yueh Tung, Shuen-Fu Lin, Larry J. Schulz, Cheng-En Hsi Yu Chi Wu, Tung Yueh ISBN: 0-89264-142-8 Publisher: Center for Chinese Studies Pub. Date: January, 2001 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $20.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 5 (3 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Do not read the introduction.
Comment: I have not yet read this book, though I have high expectations since Monkey is one of my favorite literary characters. This is not a rating, but a warning: DO NOT READ THE INTRODUCTION. The inconsiderate translator gives away essential information -- spoilers, in other words. Argh! I hate that. I hope I can save other potential readers some frustration.
Rating: 5
Summary: Ably translated into English for a western readership
Comment: The latest addition to the outstanding "Michigan Classics in Chinese Studies" series, Tung Yueh's The Tower Of Myriad Mirrors, is ably translated into English for a western readership by Shuen-fu Lin and Larry J. Schulz. Tung Yueh (1620-1686) provides an illuminating example of Chinese literature written to both entertain and enlighten with its mythological cast of characters. This precursor to the modern novel will prove especially fascinating and informative for students and scholars of Chinese fiction as a specialized literary form.
Rating: 5
Summary: Journey Through the Psyche of a Mystical Monk
Comment: Almost four hundred years before movies like "The Sixth Sense" shocked audiences with surprise endings, Tung Yueh's "Tower of Myriad Mirrors" was blowing away mid 17th century China with its own original brand of psyche-out plot twists. "Tower" was a gripping tale to its originally intended audience, and the story has stood the test of time and is read to this day due to its fantastic imagery and imaginative method of imparting Buddhist theory.
I read "Tower of Myriad Mirrors" for a class in traditional Chinese literature and enjoyed it thoroughly. I have an avid interest in traditional and contemporary Chinese literature, but a serious background in this genre is not necessary to understand and enjoy "Tower..." All that is needed is good concentration and patience, and perhaps a quick online look at background information on Mahayana Buddhism. The story may appear confusing and disjointed at times, but if you persevere, you will find that everything comes together beautifully in the last chapter. Keep in mind that it is imperative to read the forward - it provides the necessary orientation needed to understand the story.
"Tower's" protagonist, a somewhat wayward monk named Monkey (who has, in fact, the outward appearance of an ape) embarks on a fantastical journey in search ways to help his master reach India, where they are to procure Buddhist scriptures to bring back to China. Tung Yueh wrote this 16-chapter novella (most Chinese novels are in excess of 100 chapters) as a supplement to the famous narrative "Journey to the West" as a way to explore the psyche of the Monkey character. It is elegantly written and conjures imagry that is beautiful and exotic as well as brutal and violent.
Written in 1640, "Tower..." is an excellent example of the traditional vernacular stories that were widely used to relate the messages of Buddhism to the masses. To hold the attention and stay in the memory of common Chinese, the stories often involve fantastic imagery, scores of monsters and evil beings, beautiful women, and impossible feats of magic - all of which are evidenced in "Tower..." The Buddhist message of "Tower" is that one must strive to overcome the demons of desire within oneself - and this message is delivered by means of a fascinating journey through a dream world conjured up Monkey's mind.
While "Tower of Myriad Mirrors" is not an easy read, it is a rewarding one. This edition is well translated and provides many helpful footnotes that will enable readers not well-versed in the background of Chinese vernacular religious stories or Buddhism to understand. Approach it with an open mind and perhaps a willingness to look up some information on Mahayana Buddhism, and you won't be disappointed.
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Title: Journey to the West (4-Volume Boxed Set) by Cheng'en Wu, Wu Cheng'en, W.J.F. Jenner, Ch-Eng-En Wu ISBN: 7119016636 Publisher: Foreign Language Press Pub. Date: 01 January, 2001 List Price(USD): $39.95 |
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Title: The Zen Teachings of Master Lin-Chi by Burton Watson ISBN: 0231114850 Publisher: Columbia University Press Pub. Date: 15 April, 1999 List Price(USD): $19.50 |
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Title: Chuang Tzu by Burton Watson ISBN: 0231105959 Publisher: Columbia University Press Pub. Date: 15 April, 1996 List Price(USD): $19.50 |
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Title: Monkey/Folk Novel of China by Ch'Eng-En Wu, Arthur Waley, Arther Waley ISBN: 0802130860 Publisher: Grove Press Pub. Date: April, 1994 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
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Title: Tao Te Ching (Penguin Classics) by Lao Tzu, D. C. Lau ISBN: 014044131X Publisher: Viking Press Pub. Date: June, 1985 List Price(USD): $7.95 |
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