The early translation and research of the Ming novel in North America was influenced by European Sinology. In 1933

Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973) published All Men Are Brothers

the first English translation of Shui hu Zhuan in America. Since then

translation and research of the Four Masterworks of the Ming novel and other important works has been flourishing and gradually reached its peak. The achievements made by North American scholars (including Chinese scholars) is reflected not only by numbers of translated works

but more importantly

by careful selection of the edition of the original work and the utmost effort in faithful translation. Most translators are also well established scholars in the field

which ensured their translations indispensable reference works. North American scholars were also dedicate to exploring new critical methods and have made innovative progress. This paper is an overview of the brief history of translation and research of Ming novel in North America

highlighting representative works by influential scholars

identifying new trends in the field and anticipating more exchanges among scholars in North America and East Asia.