Institut für Sinologie Individual Choices amid the Currents of History: James Summers (1828-1891) and His Research on East Asia

James Summers is a compelling historical figure who rose from a modest family background to become a professor of Chinese studies at a leading British university and made significant contributions to the dissemination of knowledge about China, Japan, and East Asia more broadly in Britain. At the same time, he was already a controversial figure during his lifetime. A close examination of his life offers a revealing perspective on the history of Asia-European relations, the opportunities and challenges faced by early European Sinology, and the choices made by individuals amid the powerful currents of their times.