Edward Harper Parker Papers

Date range: 1890s-1920s

Medium: Archive

Papers of the British sinologist Edward Harper Parker (1849-1926).

Parker was a leading scholar of China, with a particular interest in its history and languages. He worked for the British consular service at various locations in China as well as Burma and Korea. On retiring from the service, Parker was appointed reader in Chinese at University College, Liverpool, in 1896, and later became part-time professor of Chinese at the University of Manchester. ).

Parker wrote a number of books on China, including China, past and present (1903) and China, her history, diplomacy and commerce (1917). He was highly regarded as an interpreter of contemporary events in China at a time of great political and economic change. ).

The collection comprises Parker’s extensive notes and newspaper cuttings about China, including the Chinese borderlands and relations with neighbouring states (including Tibet, Nepal, Sikkim and Burma). There are also copies of official documents and correspondence with other scholars and experts, particularly Laurence Waddell (1854-1938).

The collection also includes several Chinese language books, both contemporary and editions of classic works. ).

See also:

• Claude Kinder Papers

Further information:

• Catalogue available via Special Collections reading rooms.