author
W. A. P. (William Alexander Parsons) Martin
1827–1916
A pioneering American missionary in China, he became one of the best-known Western translators and educators of the late Qing era. His work helped introduce international law and other Western ideas to Chinese readers at a moment of major change.
1 Audiobook
The Awakening of China
by W. A. P. (William Alexander Parsons) Martin
About the author
Born in Indiana in 1827, he studied at Indiana University and at the Presbyterian seminary in New Albany before going to China in 1850 as a Presbyterian missionary. He first worked in Ningbo, later served in Beijing, and became widely known in China by the name Ding Weiliang.
Beyond missionary work, he built a reputation as a scholar, translator, and teacher. He is especially remembered for translating Henry Wheaton's Elements of International Law into Chinese, a work that helped bring Western legal and diplomatic thought to Qing officials and educated readers.
He also took part in education at a high level, serving for many years at the Tongwen Guan in Beijing, including as its president. By the time of his death in 1916, he was remembered not only as a missionary, but as an important cultural intermediary between China and the West.