Mirror Image And Truth

A History of Chinese Literature written by British Sinologist Giles (Herbert Allen Giles,1845-1935) which was first published in the late 19th century early 20th century is one of the earliest history of Chinese literature. As a prime history of literature, there were many deficiencies and defects from the perspective of literature history writing. However, it also exhibit some excellence at the same time. As a result, it presents a heterogeneous, uneven appearance. From the view of the communion of the Chinese and English literature, A History of Chinese Literature not only plays an important bridging role, but also makes a phasic summary for the communion of the Chinese and English literature, so it was republished several times until the 1970s.This paper is divided into three chapters. The first chapter mainly interpret three aspects:the Giles's own experience and educational background became influencing factors on his literature history writing; the condition for the forming of A History of Chinese Literature; the phased development of Sinology in the United Kingdom and the whole European since the 19th century. At the same time, it deeply indicated the distinctive aspect of the Giles's A History of Chinese Literature by the comparison of the literary history written by the grassroots people. The second chapter go deep into the interior and from the view of the literature history writing theories, revealed the implied forward-looking element on the internal structure. The third chapter explained Giles's contemplation of Chinese literature through integrating the external writing conditions and its own factors, which is choosing the relevant Chinese literature based on the understanding of Chinese culture. A History of Chinese Literature is a combination product of British Sinology utilitarian characteristics and Giles's own favorite.