James Legge

James Legge, born on December twentieth, eighteen fifteen, was a distinguished Scottish linguist and sinologist whose contributions to the translation of Classical Chinese texts into English have left an indelible mark on the field. His work as a translator and lexicographer was pivotal in bridging the gap between Eastern and Western literature, making complex philosophical and religious texts accessible to a broader audience.

Legge's career as a missionary began when he served as a representative of the London Missionary Society in Malacca and Hong Kong from eighteen forty to eighteen seventy-three. During this time, he immersed himself in the local culture and language, which greatly informed his later academic pursuits. His dedication to education culminated in his appointment as the first Professor of Chinese at Oxford University, a position he held from eighteen seventy-six to eighteen ninety-seven.

In collaboration with the renowned scholar Max Müller, Legge contributed to the monumental Sacred Books of the East series, a comprehensive collection published in fifty volumes between eighteen seventy-nine and eighteen ninety-one. This series not only showcased his expertise in translation but also highlighted his commitment to promoting understanding of Eastern philosophies and religions in the Western world.