Samurai (British Museum Press 2026) is a richly illustrated volume co-authored by exhibition curator Rosina Buckland (British Museum) and Oleg Benesch (York) to accompany the special exhibition "Samurai" at the British Museum 3 Feb - 4 May 2026. More than a catalogue, Samurai uses the exhibit to explore the overlapping and diverging myths and histories of the samurai from medieval warriors to bureaucrats to global pop culture phenomena. As the exhibition website observes, "The samurai is an iconic figure, evoking images of formidable fighters possessing ideals of courage, honour and self-sacrifice. Yet much of what we think we know about samurai is invented tradition." Samurai is the kind of book that epitomizes how rigorous academic work can be transformed into effective public communication. The museum encourages listeners, readers, and guests of the exhibit to explore more of the collection here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.