19世纪末美国来华传教士眼中的“美丽苏州”——以《姑苏景志》(“Beautiful Soo”,the Capital of Kiangsu)为例

The Image of Suzhou in the Eyes of an American Missionary in China in the Late 19th Century:Based on“Beautiful Soo”,the Capital of Kiangsu

《姑苏景志》是美国来华传教士杜步西撰写的关于苏州的英文书籍,从历史起源、历代名士、经济状况、风土人情、城市风貌、秀丽风光等方面向读者真实再现了19世纪末古城苏州的历史风貌。《姑苏景志》不仅有助于西方人了解苏州风貌、体验苏州风情,而且书中所记载的相关内容有着很高的史料价值,对进一步挖掘苏州历史和旅游资源,打造苏州城市形象具有很好的历史借鉴意义。

“Beautiful Soo”,the Capital of Kiangsu was a book about Suzhou.It was written by H.C.Dubose who was an American missionary in China.It vividly described the historical appearance of Suzhou at the end of the 19th century from the perspectives of its historical origin,celebrities of past dynasties,economic situation,customs,cityscape,beautiful scenery,etc.Not only was the book helpful to foreigners to better understand the city and experience its culture,but also of great significance to dig the history of Suzhou as well as establish a good image of Suzhou.