1 / 7Samurai: British Museum Press, 304-page history
Samurai by British Museum Press traces the samurai from their medieval origins through later social and political change to their reinvention in modern popular culture. This 304-page English-language book accompanies a British Museum exhibition and uses objects from international collections to explore both historical realities and enduring myths.
At a glance
- Follows the samurai from medieval warrior class to early modern bureaucrats and later cultural icon.
- Discusses the abolition of the samurai class in 1876 and subsequent reinterpretations for foreign visitors and modern military identity.
- Draws on objects from international collections and covers film, television, manga, anime and video games.
Reference price: £45.00
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Connects historical developments with the changing myths and popular portrayals of samurai.
- Its broad timeline includes social, political and cultural history rather than focusing only on warfare.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | British Museum Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 5 Feb. 2026 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 304 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0714137014 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0714137018 |
| Dimensions | 24.5 x 3 x 27.5 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 1.78 kg |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Japanese history and the changing samurai image.
- Those looking for a book that connects historical objects with modern media and popular culture.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a narrowly focused account of samurai combat or a specialist study of only one historical period.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
90% 90% - 4 stars
0% 0% - 3 stars
3% 3% - 2 stars
7% 7% - 1 star
0% 0%
The listing shows a strongly positive overall rating distribution, with most ratings in the five-star category, alongside some lower ratings. Without written feedback, those figures cannot explain what readers liked or criticised, so they offer only a limited indication of reception. The book's described breadth may suit readers seeking history alongside popular-culture context, but ratings alone cannot establish how well that approach works for an individual reader.
Frequently asked questions
What period does Samurai cover?
The description follows the subject from medieval origins through early modern changes and the class's abolition in 1876, then considers later portrayals up to the present.
Does the book discuss samurai in modern popular culture?
Yes. Its described coverage includes film, television, manga, anime, video games and other forms of representation.
What are the listed edition and publication details?
The listing describes a first edition in English, published by British Museum Press on 5 Feb. 2026, with 304 pages.
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