Bruce Lee

A Life

De: Matthew Polly

Narrado por: Jonathan Todd Ross

The “definitive” (The New York Times) biography of film legend Bruce Lee—the martial arts icon who made kung fu a global phenomenon, shattered Hollywood stereotypes of Asian and Asian American actors, and became one of the most influential pop culture figures of the 20th century.

Forty-five years after Bruce Lee’s sudden death at just thirty-two, journalist and bestselling author Matthew Polly delivers the authoritative account of his extraordinary life and legacy. Meticulously researched over a decade and informed by more than one hundred interviews—including with Lee’s family, friends, colleagues, and the actress in whose bed he died—Bruce Lee is both sweeping and intimate.

Polly traces Lee’s evolution from Hong Kong child star to troubled teen, from charismatic martial arts teacher to trailblazing Asian American actor navigating a whitewashed Hollywood, to international superstar in Enter the Dragon, Fist of Fury, and The Big Boss. He explores Lee’s family dynamics, his struggle to break through in the US entertainment industry, his intense work ethic, and the enduring mystery surrounding his untimely death.

Dispelling myths and revealing the man behind the legend, Bruce Lee is a deeply humanizing, page-turning biography of a boundary-breaking actor, father, fighter, and icon whose cultural impact endures across generations and continents.

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.

Ubiquitous Kung Fu Master

I felt this book was an awesome transparent account of the life of Bruce Lee. The book recounts the resilience of Bruce's character and gives hidden unknown details of his complex life as he rises to the ranks of a Ubiquitous Kung Fu Master and Hollywood Superstar.

Learned a lot about Bruce Lee that I never knew

I have always been a huge Bruce Lee fan. I came across this book and read it in only two days. I learned a lot about Bruce Lee that I never knew. Any Bruce Lee fan, I highly recommend it.