James Legge

James Legge was a renowned Sinologist and Missionary who made significant contributions to the field of Chinese studies. Born in Portsmouth, England, Legge was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School and later attended King's College, Aberdeen, where he studied Classics and Theology under the guidance of George Glennie and William Robinson. He was heavily influenced by the works of Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi, which shaped his understanding of Chinese philosophy and Chinese culture. Legge's early life was also marked by his interactions with prominent figures such as Robert Morrison and Walter Henry Medhurst, who were instrumental in shaping his interest in Chinese language and Chinese literature.

● Early Life and Education

Legge's early life was spent in Scotland, where he developed a strong foundation in Classics and Theology at King's College, Aberdeen. He was particularly drawn to the works of Aristotle and Plato, which he studied under the guidance of George Glennie. Legge's interest in Chinese studies was sparked by his interactions with Robert Morrison, a Sinologist and Missionary who had worked in China. He also came into contact with Walter Henry Medhurst, who was a prominent figure in the London Missionary Society. Legge's education was further influenced by his time at Highbury Theological College, where he studied Theology and prepared for his career as a Missionary. During this period, he was exposed to the works of John Calvin and Martin Luther, which shaped his understanding of Christian theology.

● Career

Legge's career as a Missionary and Sinologist spanned several decades and took him to various parts of the world, including China, Hong Kong, and England. He worked closely with the London Missionary Society and was instrumental in establishing the Hong Kong College of Medicine, which later became the University of Hong Kong. Legge's interactions with prominent figures such as Governor Sir John Bowring and Sir George Bonham played a significant role in shaping his career. He was also influenced by the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, which he studied during his time in Europe. Legge's career was marked by his contributions to the field of Chinese studies, including his translations of Confucian classics and his work on Chinese language and Chinese literature. He was a contemporary of Max Müller and Friedrich Schlegel, who were also prominent figures in the field of Oriental studies.

● Translations and Works

Legge's translations of Confucian classics are considered some of his most significant contributions to the field of Chinese studies. His translations of the I Ching, Tao Te Ching, and Zhuangzi are still widely read and studied today. Legge's work on Chinese language and Chinese literature was also influential, and he was one of the first Sinologists to recognize the importance of Chinese poetry and Chinese drama. He was a prolific writer and published numerous works, including The Chinese Classics and The Religions of China. Legge's interactions with prominent figures such as Wang Tao and Guo Songtao played a significant role in shaping his understanding of Chinese culture and Chinese history. He was also influenced by the works of Herbert Spencer and Charles Darwin, which he studied during his time in England.

● Legacy

Legge's legacy is profound and far-reaching, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important Sinologists of the 19th century. His translations of Confucian classics and his work on Chinese language and Chinese literature have had a lasting impact on the field of Chinese studies. Legge's contributions to the field of Oriental studies were recognized by his contemporaries, including Max Müller and Friedrich Schlegel. He was a fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society and was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Oxford. Legge's legacy continues to be felt today, and his works remain widely read and studied by scholars of Chinese studies and Oriental studies. His interactions with prominent figures such as Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao played a significant role in shaping his understanding of Chinese reform and Chinese modernization.

● Personal Life

Legge's personal life was marked by his strong Christian faith and his commitment to his work as a Missionary and Sinologist. He was married to Hannah Mary Johnstone and had several children, including Thomas Legge and Helen Edith Legge. Legge's interactions with prominent figures such as Charles Dickens and Florence Nightingale played a significant role in shaping his understanding of social reform and social justice. He was a contemporary of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who were instrumental in shaping the British Empire during the 19th century. Legge's personal life was also influenced by his time at Oxford University, where he was a fellow of Corpus Christi College, Oxford and later became the Professor of Chinese at Oxford University. He was a member of the Oriental Club and the Royal Society, and his contributions to the field of Chinese studies were recognized by his peers. Category:Sinologists