李提摩太与《泰西新史揽要》的译介

作为一部英国三流历史学著作 ,《泰西新史揽要》却是晚清销量最大、影响最广的西方历史学译作。这部本来以改善教会在华处境为目的的译著 ,完成出版之时恰逢甲午战争的危局 ,不仅近代中国人把它作为思想启蒙的工具 ,而且李提摩太也不由自主转移了重点 ,更多参与到近代中国的变革论争之中。李提摩太的很多工作 ,诸如译书、文章著述、参加反缠足会、创办山西大学堂等等 ,都对近代中国的思想启蒙和社会进步做出了重要贡献

Richard Timothy and his translation of The Nineteenth Century:A History

Despite a so-called third-rate historical work, The Nineteenth Century: A History, is the most influential book and best seller in the late Qing Dynasty. The initial intention of this translation work is aimed at improving the current situation in China, but at the time of completion, China is at the critical moment during the Sino-Japanese war. So the translator has shifted his focus of the work so much that it later becomes an enlightening tool for Chinese, and that his concentration is shifted to debates of reforms. Timothy is so busy with translating, writing, anti-foot-binding, and opening Shanxi University that all this does a positive contribution to the Chinese social progress.