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Derk BoddeA famous American sinologist, historian of China, and translator.
Date of Birth: 09.03.1909
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Derek Bodde: A Renowned Sinologist and Historian
- Academic Career
- Significant Contributions
- Later Years and Recognition
Derek Bodde: A Renowned Sinologist and Historian
Early Life and EducationDerek Bodde was a celebrated American Sinologist, historian of China, and translator. In 1930, he graduated from Harvard University and later pursued a research exchange program in China from 1931 to 1937.
Academic Career
In 1938, Bodde obtained his doctorate from Leiden University in the Netherlands with a dissertation on the life of Chancellor Li Si. He subsequently became the first Fulbright scholarship recipient in 1948, spending a year in Beijing. In 1944, he was appointed emeritus professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
Significant Contributions
Bodde made significant contributions to the study of traditional Chinese law. He published the first volume of the translated "History of Chinese Philosophy" by philosopher Feng Youlan in 1937. His translation of the complete work was published in 1953.
Additionally, Bodde translated works by Dong Li-zhen (1855-1911) and wrote a biography of Chancellor Li Si.
Later Years and Recognition
Bodde retired in 1975 and was a vice president of the American Oriental Society from 1958 to 1959. His research on Chinese philosophy and history remains highly valued and influential in the field.
