Journey to the West
Journey to the West is a Chinese novel published in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty and attributed to Wu Cheng'en. It is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. In English-speaking countries, "Monkey", Arthur Waley's popular abridged translation is well known.
Gods and demons fiction
The most well known examples of "shenmo" fiction are "Journey to the West" ("Xiyouji") and "The Investiture of the Gods" ("Fengshen yanyi"). "Journey to the West" in particular is considered by Chinese literary critics as the "chef-d'oeuvre" of "shenmo" novels. The novel's authorship is attributed to Wu Cheng'en and was first published in 1592 by Shitedang, a Ming publishing house. The popularity of "Journey to the West" inspired a series of "shenmo" copycats that borrowed plot elements from the book.