Containing the first 50 chapters of China's best-loved work, in an edited, yet complete and wholly accurate translation for the Western reader. Volume 1 begins with Monkey's birth, his secret education in the ways of magic at the hands of the Patriarch, his dealings with the Cloud Emperor, the famous revolt in heaven, and the Great Sage's fall and punishment.Then, with a reprieve, Monkey joins the Tang Priest as his guide to India. Paired with the monster Pig and Friar Sand, the quartet embark on a quest at once dazzling and comic, with non-stop action.