"Early modern discussions about ancient China : a new perspective on origin stories and the evolution of historical studies" / Chen Lejiamei

Published in Asian Studies vol. 13 (2)

Abstract

Early modern discussions about ancient China have largely been studied from the perspective of how images of ancient China were portrayed in missionary narratives. This article, however, attempts to investigate how interactions between China and Europe have contributed to the evolution of historical studies in early modern Europe.

By analysing different studies by Jesuit authors and European savants about ancient China, this article first traces how ancient Chinese history provides a new alternative to the origin stories of humankind, undermining the dominant biblical approach to history. While defending the old origin story, missionaries changed their narratives about ancient China. Further investigation into the historical sources used by Jesuit authors
shows the application of different materials across the two centuries, and these changes in materials also create a polyphony in their written accounts. By introducing various historical sources and textual traditions to Europe, missionaries, who served as intercultural agents, participated actively in the multiplication of primary sources for European historical research. The changing historical methodologies in the studies about ancient China are also examined, particularly how the transition from astronomical to linguistic methods occurred during the eighteenth century, reshaping the discourse on ancient China. This article tackles the important question of how intercultural exchanges about ancient Chinese history participated in the transformation of historical studies from a chronological study to modern historiography.

Giants walked among us : the story of Paul and Ina Bartell / Bollback, Anthony G.

Includes bibliographical references.

Paul and Ina Bartel loved China and loved the Chinese people. It was only natural, for their parents on both sides were also missionaries to China. Paul first met Ina at the missionary boarding school, but it would be years before they married. The lot of pioneer missionaries in early 20th-century China was grim. Ragtag bandit bands constantly clashed with undisciplined soldiers. Blood flowed. Bullets flew. But that did not deter Paul and Ina, for the situation was even worse for Chinese Christians. In many places, martyrdom was something to be expected. The lives of the Bartels can be described only partially in these pages. Marked by incredible commitment, relentless vision and godly grace, the influence of Paul and Ina Bartel continues to reach the worldwide community of their beloved Chinese.

Martyred Missionaries of the China Inland Missions: Perils and Sufferings of Some Who Escaped / Marshall Broomhall

Preface by Rev. J. Hudson Taylor.--Editor's preface.--List of martyred missionaries of the C.I.M.--List of martyred missionaries of other societies.--The martyrs' last letters.--Memorials of Tat'ung martyrs.--In memoriam: Mr. and Mrs. Stewart McKee, Mr. and Mrs. C. I'Anson, Miss M.E. Smith, Miss Maria Aspden.--The sufferings of some who escaped.--The reorganisation of the work.

Ming-Qing chuanjiaoshi dui Zhongguo wenhua de chuanbo 明清傳教士對中國文化的傳播/ Xu Zhenglin 許正林

Pioneering in China / Habig, Marion Alphonse, 1901-1984

Includes bibliographical references.