It has been over a hundred year since Anglo-American scholars began their studies of Chinese

Fu

. The historical background

research perspectives

viewpoints and methods are different in different periods. Therefore

Anglo-American scholars’

Fu

studies can be generally divided into four stages: the embryonic stage from the end of the 19

th

century to the early 20

th

century

the initial stage from the early 20

th

century to the1940s

the advanced stage from the 1950s to the 1960s

and the prosperous stage since the 1970s. It is very important for broadening the perspective of

Fu

studies in China and strengthening cultural exchanges between China and the West that we clarify these four stages’ development and characteristics

summarize Anglo-American scholars’ research achievements and point out relevant shortcomings.