num_pages: 304
description: Koreas most prized literary masterpiece: a Buddhist journey questioning the illusions of human lifepresented in a vivid new translation by PEN/Hemingway finalist Heinz Insu Fenkl Often considered the highest achievement in Korean fiction The Nine Cloud Dream poses the question: will the life we dream of truly make us happy? Written in 17th-century Korea this classic novels wondrous story begins when a young monk living on a sacred Lotus Peak in China succumbs to the temptation of eight fairy maidens. For doubting his masters Buddhist teachings the monk is forced to endure a strange punishment: reincarnation as the most ideal of men. On his journey through this new life full of material martial and sensual accomplishments beyond his wildest dreams he encounters the eight fairies in human form each one furthering his path towards understanding the fleeting value of his good fortune. As his successes grow he comes closer and closer to finally comprehending the fundamental truths of the Buddhas teachings. Like Hesses Siddhartha The Nine Cloud Dream is an unforgettable tale exploring the meaning of a good life and the virtue of living simply with mindfulness. For more than seventy years Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1800 titles Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
language: English
title: The Nine Cloud Dream
publisher: Penguin