In The Early Dutch Sinologists Koos Kuiper gives a detailed account of the studies and work of the 24 Dutchmen trained as “interpreters” for the Netherlands Indies before 1900. Most began studying at Leiden University, then went to Amoy to study southern Chinese dialects. Their main functions were translating Dutch law into Chinese, advising the courts on Chinese law and checking Chinese accounts books, later also regulating coolie affairs. Actually their services were not always appreciated and there was not enough work for them; later many pursued other careers in the Indies administration or in scholarship. This study also analyses the three dictionaries they compiled. Based on a wealth of primary sources, it gives a fascinating picture of personal cross-cultural contacts.

本书是华东师范大学海外中国学研究中心主任朱政惠教授承担的国家课题成果，前后历时十余年完成。本书以丰富翔实的史料，以历史学为主线，第一次系统梳理了美国中国学二百年来的发展历程，阐述了早期中国学向现代中国学演变的内在逻辑，以及当下中国学研究在研究思路与研究方法上的发展态势，清晰呈现了一个丰富立体的美国中国学发展史轨迹，并由此展开了对美国中国学研究的整体反思，填补了国内海外汉学研究的空白。