孟德斯鸠《论法的精神》在近代中国的翻译与传播 / THE TRANSLATION AND DISSEMINATION OF MONTESQUIEU’S DE L’ESPRIT DES LOIS IN MODERN CHINA

This paper explores how Montesquieu’s “De l’esprit des lois” was translated and disseminated in modern China. Initially referenced in an international law work translated by missionaries, Montesquieu’s political theories and ideas on governance were introduced by early reformists. The late reformers particularly Liang Qichao, played a significant role in promoting and popularizing Montesquieu’s work. The “Compilation of Translated Books” by Chinese students studying in Japan introduced the first four volumes, and then Zhang Xiangwen translated twenty volumes from the Japanese version. Yan Fu later completed the translation, except for the final two chapters, from an English version. The various stages of translation and dissemination of “De l’esprit des lois” in modern China had a profound impact on reforms and revolutions, and provided intellectual resources for the social elites who influenced China’s historical trajectory.