This classic Chinese epic features a new introduction by Daniel Kane, Head of Chinese Studies at Macquarie University and Cultural Counselor at the Australian Embassy in Beijing in 1996. China's most popular traditional novel, The Monkey King's Amazing Adventures is the story of the Monkey King, his incredible origin and downfall, and his epic quest to redeem himself with his trusted companions, as they face fantastic foes, demons, and monsters and have amazing adventures in their travels to the Western paradise. No matter what obstacle was put before him, the clever, wily Monkey King always got what he wanted—unimaginable strength, eternal life, even his own position in the Celestial Realm with the gods. But more than anything else, the Monkey King loved mischief and rule-breaking, and he was sure that he was the most powerful creature in the world. But after defeat and punishment, the Monkey King found himself wanting some things he never expected: to be good enough and have the discipline to help the monk Xuanzang on his mission to bring Buddhist Scriptures—and enlightenment—to China. Readers will thrill to Timothy Richard's retelling of the Monkey King's exploits—he never disappoints, whether in the Dragon King's underwater castle, the Halls of the Dead, or the palace of Buddha himself—and find themselves captivated as he joins Xuanzang and his other trusted companions, the Dragon Horse, the Monk Sand, and the equally mischievous Pig on the dangerous trek West.