Anthony C. Yu’s celebrated translation of The Journey to the West reinvigorated one of Chinese literature’s most beloved classics for English-speaking audiences when it first appeared thirty years ago. Yu’s abridgment of his four-volume translation, The Monkey and the Monk , finally distills the epic novel’s most exciting and meaningful episodes without taking anything away from their true spirit. These fantastic episodes recount the adventures of Xuanzang, a seventh-century monk who became one of China’s most illustrious religious heroes after traveling for sixteen years in search of Buddhist scriptures. Powerfully combining religious allegory with humor, fantasy, and satire, accounts of Xuanzang’s journey were passed down for a millennium before culminating in the sixteenth century with The Journey to the West . Now, readers of The Monkey and the Monk can experience the full force of his lengthy quest as he travels to India with four animal disciples, most significant among them a guardian-monkey known as “the Great Sage, Equal to Heaven.” Moreover, in its newly streamlined form, this acclaimed translation of a seminal work of world literature is sure to attract an entirely new following of students and fans. “A new translation of a major literary text which totally supersedes the best existing version. . . . It establishes beyond contention the position of The Journey to the West in world literature, while at the same time throwing open wide the doors to interpretive study on the part of the English audience.”— Modern Language Notes , on the unabridged translation

Recommendation: This book could be a good read for individuals seeking to understand Indian spirituality and its connection to modern-day life. Tagore's essays provide insight into ancient Indian texts and offer a unique perspective on Indian spirituality that can be beneficial to readers looking for a deeper understanding of the topic. The book's most distinctive feature is that it provides a bridge between Eastern and Western spirituality, making it a must-read for those interested in holistic spirituality.

"The Odyssey" is a classic adventure story that offers readers a glimpse of ancient mythology and heroism. The trials and tribulations faced by Odysseus on his journey home are richly detailed and filled with action and suspense. Recommended for fans of classic literature and adventure stories.

Recommended for lovers of Viking folklore. The Saga of Gunnlaug Serpent-tongue is a classic Icelandic Saga that features an intense love triangle and a poetic rivalry, with a fatal conclusion. The story is both savage and lyrical and presents unique insights into Viking-age culture. Fans of Norse mythology or historical fiction will appreciate this richly-detailed story.

This collection of poetry by Charles Bukowski delves deep into the complexities of love, stripping away the rose-tinted glasses and exposing its raw and sometimes heartbreakingly real nature. With his signature grit and honesty, Bukowski captures the essence of love's highs and lows, making this book a must-read for those who want a true and unfiltered representation of this universal emotion.

Mythos by Stephen Fry could be a good read for fans of Greek mythology who want a modern twist on classic tales. The book captures the extraordinary and deeply human relevance of these myths, making them relatable and captivating. Fry's vivid and imaginative storytelling will leave readers enthralled.

In 1859, Edward FitzGerald translated into English the short, epigrammatic poems (or "rub iy t") of medieval Persian poet Omar Khayy m. If not a true translation--his Omar seems to have read Shakespeare and the King James Bible--the poem nevertheless conveyed some of the most beautiful and haunting images in English poetry, and some of the sharpest-edged. By the end of the century, it was one of the best-known poems in the English language, admired by Swinburne and Ruskin. Daniel Karlin's richly annotated edition focuses on the poem as a work of Victorian literary art, doing justice to the scope and complexity of FitzGerald's lyrical meditation on "human death and fate." Karlin provides a fascinating critical introduction which documents the poem's treatment of its Persian sources, along with its multiple affiliations with English and Classical literature and to the Bible. A selection of contemporary reviews offers an insight into the poem's early reception, including the first attack on its status as a translation. About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

This book, Solar Bones, is perfect for those who enjoy introspective and contemplative narratives. Through beautiful and continuous prose, Mike McCormack takes readers on a journey through the mind of Marcus Conway as he reflects on the construction and unraveling of various aspects of life - from bridges to marriages. The gentle stream of consciousness style unveils the depths of Marcus's thoughts and emotions, making this book a captivating and thought-provoking read.

Gleaned from Rainer Maria Rilke’s voluminous, never-before-translated correspondence, this volume offers the best writings and personal philosophy of one of the twentieth century’s greatest poets. The result is a profound vision of how the human drive to create and understand can guide us in every facet of life. Arranged by theme–from everyday existence with others to the exhilarations of love and the experience of loss, from dealing with adversity to the nature of inspiration–here are Rilke’s thoughts on how to infuse everyday life with beauty, wonder, and meaning.Intimate, stylistically masterful, brilliantly translated and assembled, and brimming with the passion of Rilke, Letters on Life is a font of wisdom and a perfect book for all occasions.

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The Oxford School Shakespeare is a well-established series which helps the reader to understand and enjoy Shakespeare's plays. Each play in the series contains the complete text with an extensive range of notes, background information on Shakespeare's England, suggestions for further reading,a brief biograohy of Shakespeare, and a complete list of his plays.

In this collection of miscellaneous writings by Margaret Atwood, Gertrude describes what really happened in Hamlet, an ugly sister and a wicked stepmother put in a good word for themselves, and a reincarnated bat explains how Bram Stoker got Dracula hopelessly wrong.

The present selection traces the development of Yeats's verse, encompassing the poet's interest in Irish folklore and national identity, his engagement with the political situation of his day and the rich symbolism that is the hallmark of his work and a reflection of his lifelong fascination with the occult. It contains some of his best-known pieces, including the elegiac 'Easter 1916', the apocalyptic 'The Second Coming' and the reflective and spiritual 'Sailing to Byzantium'.Often radical in content but always traditional in form, these poems are by turns startling and affecting, and never less than inspired. Taken together, they form an ideal introduction to the poetic career of one of Ireland's greatest literary figures.

A beautifully tragic and thought-provoking tale that perfectly reflects the elegance and style of Murakami and the skill and plotting of Julian Barnes Bilodo lives a solitary daily life, routinely completing his postal rounds every day and returning to his empty Montreal apartment. But he has found a way to break the cycle—Bilodo has taken to stealing people's mail, steaming open the envelopes, and reading the letters inside. And so it is he comes across Ségolène's letters. She is corresponding with Gaston, a master poet, and their letters are each composed of only three lines. They are writing each other haikus. The simplicity and elegance of their poems move Bilado and he begins to fall in love with her. But one day, out on his round, he witnesses a terrible and tragic accident. Just as Gaston is walking up to the post-box to mail his next haiku to Ségolène, he is hit by a car and dies on the side of the road. And so Bilodo makes an extraordinary decision—he will impersonate Gaston and continue to write to Ségolène under this guise. But how long can the deception continue for? Denis Thériault weaves a passionate and elegant tale, comic and tragic with a love story at its heart.

"I Is A Long Memoried Woman is a beautifully crafted poetic narrative that weaves together the voices of African women lost to the annals of history. Grace Nichols' words bring to life a visceral and emotional portrayal of the legacy of slavery and the struggle for identity in the Caribbean. Highly recommended for those interested in cultural history and impactful poetry."

If you're someone who delights in the intersection of literature and travel, "Here Now There After" is a literary suitcase packed with imaginative voyages. Through the eyes of Singapore's finest storytellers, you're set to explore a rich tapestry of narratives that celebrate movement and place. This anthology is an artful navigation through Singapore’s cityscape, bound to enchant wanderlust hearts and curious minds alike.

Recommendation: This book is recommended for those who enjoy reading autobiographies of people who have lived unconventional lives. The unique and distinctive feature of this book is its narrative style, which is unvarnished and straightforward. It offers insight into the difficult life of a traveling tramp, and provides a glimpse into the harsher side of American life during the Great Depression. Readers who appreciate a raw human experience and a unique perspective on life will appreciate this book.

In 2011, Sarah Kay performed her poem "B" at the TED conference in Long Beach, California to standing ovations. Now the video of that performance has been forwarded to mothers and daughters (and fathers and sons) all over the world. Originally written in 2007, "B" is a thank you note, a love letter, a wish, a promise, a confession, and a secret. With beautiful illustrations by Sophia Janowitz, "B" is finally available in this whimsical, magical book.

Recommendation: The Bhagavad Gita is a powerful and timeless spiritual guide that provides insightful teachings on finding inner peace and purpose. Through the story of Prince Arjuna's internal struggle, this book offers profound lessons on self-mastery and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Whether you seek guidance in navigating personal dilemmas or expanding your spiritual understanding, The Bhagavad Gita is a must-read for anyone on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.

Critical commentary accompanies the story of Antonio, who risks his life to borrow money from his enemy, Shylock, and is saved by Portia, an heiress posing as a lawyer.

The Merchant of Venice (No Fear Shakespeare) is perfect for Shakespeare enthusiasts who are looking for an easier way to comprehend the play. The guide provides a line-by-line translation of the original play, ensuring readers can easily understand the dialogue. Recommended for those who want to delve deeper into the world of Shakespeare!

Twelfth Night is a classic Shakespearean comedy that explores themes of gender, sexuality, and identity through the use of complex linguistic games and Ovidian myths. It strikes a delicate balance between romance and realism that will captivate readers of all ages. Its exploration of gender and identity is particularly relevant in today's world, making it a must-read for those interested in these topics.

Recommended for those who enjoy classic tragedies with themes of love and conflict. This book is known for its timeless story that still resonates with audiences today, as well as its poetic language, memorable characters, and exploration of the dangers of intense emotion.

This book is a timeless classic that takes you on a poetic journey through the depths of hell, purgatory, and paradise. With extensive notes and reproductions of Dante's sources, it's perfect for those interested in literature, theology, and philosophy. The illustrations by Gustave Doré also add a unique and immersive visual dimension to the experience.

This book is a treasure trove of Alexander Pope's poetic brilliance. It transports you to a time of elegant prose and witty satire. Each page is filled with deep insights, making you ponder the complexities of human nature. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Pope's words and experience the beauty and power of his poetry. A must-read for any lover of literature.

This book would be a good read for anyone who is drawn to the enchantment of poetry and the exploration of the human spirit. John Keats's profound insight into the beauty of the world, his ability to transport readers to mystical worlds, and his tragic and poignant life story make this book a compelling and evocative read. Keats's words have a mesmerizing quality that will leave you in awe, and his ability to capture the essence of love, passion, and the power of the human imagination will resonate deeply within you. Get ready to be enchanted by the lyrical and enchanting verses that will linger in your heart long after you've finished reading.

This book could be a good read for someone who appreciates introspective works that delve into the complexities of human identity. Through vivid storytelling and beautiful illustrations, "What Gives Us Our Names" invites readers into a world where the protagonist weaves together the fragments of other people's lives to create his own. The book's most distinctive feature lies in its ability to capture the essence of individual experiences and challenge us to question our own sense of self. It is a gentle reminder that our stories are interconnected, and that every encounter leaves an indelible mark.

Firmly grounded by the hallmark strengths of all Norton Anthologies thorough and helpful introductory matter, judicious annotation, complete texts wherever possible The Norton Anthology of English Literature, The Major Authors has been revitalized in this Eighth Edition through the collaboration between six new editors and six seasoned ones. Under the direction of Stephen Greenblatt, General Editor, the editors have reconsidered all aspects of the anthology to make it an even better teaching tool."

Euripides (c.484-406 B.C.) was the most controversial of the three great Greek tragedians and the most modern. His major themes- religious scepticism, the injustices suffered by women and the destructive folly of war-are issues still vitally important today.

The (Other) F Word would be a great read for someone struggling with body image and looking for relatable and diverse stories. The book offers a collection of personal essays, prose, poetry, fashion tips and art, all created by fat writers, influencers and creators. What makes this book unique is that it emphasizes that fat people telling their own stories, with no judgement. The (Other) F Word is an inspiring and empowering read that promotes body acceptance and self-love.