Bruce Lee

A Life

By: Matthew Polly

Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross

Length: 19 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

The first authoritative biography of film legend Bruce Lee, who made martial arts a global phenomenon, bridged the divide between Eastern and Western cultures, and smashed long-held stereotypes of Asians and Asian Americans.

Forty-five years after Bruce Lee’s sudden death at age 32, journalist and best-selling author Matthew Polly has written the definitive account of Lee’s life. It’s also one of the only accounts; incredibly, there has never been an authoritative biography of Lee. Following a decade of research that included conducting more than 100 interviews with Lee’s family, friends, business associates, and even the actress in whose bed Lee died, Polly has constructed a complex, humane portrait of the icon.

Polly explores Lee’s early years as a child star in Hong Kong cinema; his actor father’s struggles with opium addiction and how that turned Bruce into a troublemaking teenager who was kicked out of high school and eventually sent to America to shape up; his beginnings as a martial arts teacher, eventually becoming personal instructor to movie stars like James Coburn and Steve McQueen; his struggles as an Asian American actor in Hollywood and frustration seeing role after role he auditioned for go to a white actors in eye makeup; his eventual triumph as a leading man; his challenges juggling a sky-rocketing career with his duties as a father and husband; and his shocking end that to this day is still shrouded in mystery.

Polly breaks down the myths surrounding Bruce Lee and argues that, contrary to popular belief, he was an ambitious actor who was obsessed with the martial arts - not a kung-fu guru who just so happened to make a couple of movies. This is an honest, revealing look at an impressive yet imperfect man whose personal story was even more entertaining and inspiring than any fictional role he played onscreen.

©2018 Matthew Polly (P)2018 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"…an engrossing examination of the life of a martial arts movie star and his shocking, early death…In what is certainly the definitive biography of Lee, Polly wonderfully profiles the man who constructed a new, masculine Asian archetype and ushered kung fu into pop culture." (Publishers Weekly)

"Students of martial arts, film history, and the 1970s alike will find much to enjoy in Polly’s homage." (Kirkus Reviews)

"The first noteworthy treatment of its subject—and a definitive one at that...Fascinating narrative threads proliferate." (The New York Times Book Review)

Ever Want to Meet Bruce Lee?

This is as close as we’ll ever get to meeting Bruce Lee. I’ve watched and read countless biographies on Bruce Lee and this is the only time I’ve ever come away feeling like I got to really “know” the man. This biography goes past the lengend and the gossip and show the man on his journey, warts and all.

This accounting of Bruce Lee’s life felt, real, sincere, and honest. Thanks Matthew Polly!

The narrator was no slouch either. His narration is like a great special effect, you didn’t know there was one. The biography was read simply, and I REALLY appreciated his pronunciation of Chinese words. Not try-hard, but not annoyingly English. The narrator didn’t make it about his performance, he simply performed it. Thanks Johnathan Ross!

Bruce is an inspiration

This is a very in depth look into who brought martial arts movies to the mainstream. Bruce Lee's story is one of triumph and tragedy. He knew what he wanted in life and went after it. Yes, he was not perfect but his ideals about personal goals, diversity among people and perseverance are incredible. Do yourself a favor, listen to this book and then check out The Big Boss, the movie that started Bruce Lee's life becoming legendary.

Fascinating!!

Getting educated on just how impactful this man was o. the WORLD was a pleasant surprise. While delving into the darker side of BL, this book sheds light on all aspects of his life and presents the only plausible cause of his death that I can get behind. The book is a great listen and the voice talent doesn't take away from the story.

Excellent biography of Bruce Lee

Great storytelling, encompasses everything. An excellent tribute to a legend. As an Asian American after listening to this book I really understand how much Bruce lee has helped me thrive as an Asian in America.

History, Humanity and Heart

This book taught me a lot about Bruce Lee and the social thinking of the forties to the early seventies. It is a great pop culture history book of his lifetime. The myths of this man are revealed and his god-like image is humanized. Now, for over four decades, it’s amazing how Mr. Lee is still, profoundly, influencing all cultures. I truly enjoyed this book for it answered questions that I had and corrected misconceptions that I believed were facts regarding this legend. Lastly, one learns the many gifts The Little Dragon left to the world. May we appreciate them and use them wisely.

Always wanted the fine details of his life!

all my life I've only heard of the highlights in his life. Now I have heard the fine details that only gives me more appreciation for this man's life and accomplishments.

An Incredible Bruce Lee Biography

In this book, the life of Bruce Lee is told so well it’s hard to truly acknowledge its greatness. The pacing of the story, the amount of thought and research that went into the project and the performance of the narrator are all excellent. Everything about it does justice to how big of a figure Bruce Lee will always be. I will certainly listen to this again in the future.

A must read for all Bruce Lee fans

I’ve been a fan of Bruce Lee since he was Kati in the Green Hornet. This audiobook book helped fill in some gaps and provides lots of fascinating facts. The story is well written told. I highly recommend it.

Fantastic book about an amazing human

This review is for the audiobook version.

As someone who has been a Bruce Lee fan for his entire life, I was a little bit hesitant about buying this book. I was afraid it would just be a rehash of all of the other books written about him, many of which are just hearsay and myth. I am so happy I was wrong about this assumption.

This book presents Bruce Lee as a human being. It presents all that is good and all of his vices. Don't get this book expecting it to make him out to be a god-like figure, because he wasn't. He was a man, albeit a very self-aware and self realized one. And that is the reason I love this book. It made Bruce Lee human which is something I have been looking for for a long time and his biographies. It also showed what an amazing person he was, both as a martial artist and in general. I loved it and I love Bruce Lee even more after this book.

The audiobook version is outstanding. The reader is very expressive and presents the book in a way that is easily accessible and enjoyable. It is close to 20 hours long but I wish it was longer. That is not to say that there was not a ton of information contained in the book, but instead that I wish the book hadn't ended. I highly recommend it!

something for us fans even tho

loved it but I am a fan . as a fan got to say book gives the man the treatment . we see his bad side to people , wife and coworkers . but we do get to hear the good the skill and passion. That what made him a man worth a book made about him. good voice didnt put me to sleep not to strong but still there to hold you . fast paced . worth the cash or your monthly credit. over all say hole thing is a 98 on score 1 to 100