The Invention of Martial Arts is a good read. Unlike many other scientific monographs, it is written in a manner accessible to non-specialists. It is recommended especially to martial arts researchers, sociologists of culture, and media experts.
Paul Bowman is Professor of Cultural Studies at Cardiff University. He is the author of many works of film, media and cultural studies, on popular culture, postcolonialism, cultural theory, and martial arts. He is founder and director of the Martial Arts Studies Research Network.