A Brief Analysis On Homer Hasenpflug Dubs’s Interpretation Of The History Of The Former Han Dynasty

Homer Hasenpflug Dubs is a famous American philosopher and historian. He came to China with his parents when he was a child, spending a childhood in Hunan province in China. Back to the United States after completing his studies, he came to China again, and began his six-year’s missionary career in Hunan province. In1934, he accepted the invitation of the American Council of Learned Societies, which was responsible for the translation of Hanshu. In the Library of Congress, he spent three years initially completing the translations. The three volumes of the The history of the former Han dynasty by Pan Ku. A critical translation, with annotation were published in1938,1944and1955. After the publication of the book, it had a huge response and most scholars spoke highly of it.This paper attempts to make a comprehensive study of Homer with methodology of academic history. Starting with Homer’s academic career, the author trys to display his journey to Sinological studies and the convertion of his academic perspective. Then introduces the background of the The history of the former Han dynasty, the assisting compilers and financial support. While translating the Hanshu, Homer developed a growing interest on the history of Former Han dynasty. His researches on this dynasty’s historical figures, Confucianism, solar eclipses and its relations with Roman are also of a certain value. These researches are recorded in The history of the former Han dynasty. The author attempts to summarize the studies on these, analyzed its research value, and show his academic achievements. Finally, analysis and evaluation of the features of the The history of the former Han dynasty. Influenced by microcosmic sinology, his researches laid an emphasis on empirical research. Though inevitably with certain problems, the academic value of his translation is well recognized.