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Monkey

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Monkey

By: Wu Ch’êng-ên, Arthur Waley - translator
Narrated by: Kenneth Williams
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About this listen

Considered one of China's great classical novels, Wu Ch'êng-ên's Journey to the West was translated by Arthur Waley in abridged form as Monkey in 1942 and has delighted English readers ever since. It is a riveting adventure story about a priest's quest to obtain holy Buddhist scriptures for the Tang emperor; joining him on this rollicking journey: Sandy, Pigsy, and the mischievous monkey king, Sun Wukong, whose flying cloud and magic cudgel are never far from his infamous deeds. Waley's accessible rendition of Wu Ch'êng-ên's novel has become a classic in its own right: Gods, demons, and disobedient monkey spirits all come alive in this entertaining work.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©1981 Nimbus Records Ltd. (P)2015 Naxos AudioBooks Classics Funny China

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Kenneth puts his marvelous caricature acting to great effect his Pigsy is an absolute joy

A rare treat

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he brings the characters to life and provides wonderful spots of humour. Forget the TV series this is far better

Kenneth Williams is brilliant

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My first audible... brilliant narrator. I could see the story unfold before my eyes as I sat in the bus going home listening.

Monkey

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Monkey is a wonderful character and his adventures are amusing and wonderfully recounted by Kenneth Williams, whose reading manages to bring out all the humour in the work. The mundane details of daily life that make their way into the story contribute enormously to its power and charm.

a marvellous tale, wonderfully read

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I'm old enough to remember the TV series which is why this caught my eye.I've been lucky enough to be introduced to Round the Horne and Kenneth Williams wonderful vocal characterisation. The combination of fantastic story and superlative narration made this a truly joyful experience. Although the story is rooted in religion it encompasses a magical world of monsters,demons,gods and dragons.It is quite episodic so is perfect for just dipping in and out. Kenneth Williams really brings the story and the characters to life I regullarly laughed out loud whilst listening..He brings humour and gravitas in equal measure and no one does disdain like him. I loved every minute of this presentation.and cannot recommend it too highly.

Fabulous.

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