Bruce Lee Audiobook By Matthew Polly cover art

Bruce Lee

A Life

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Bruce Lee

By: Matthew Polly
Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross
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About this listen

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
Combat Sports & Self-Defense Entertainment & Celebrities Film & TV Sports Celebrity Combat Sports Martial Art Inspiring
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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)

What listeners say about Bruce Lee

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Great job covering the life off Bruce Lee

This book seems like a fair and honest look at Mr. Lee's life. It doesn't gloss over anything. Though he did eventually accomplish some of the big things he had set out to do... unfortunately, for myself at least, he wasn't the kind of person I care to pedestalize. Perhaps if he had lived longer he might have turned some things around.
Regardless I still admire his dedication to the martial arts and physical fitness.


The Narrator did a wonderful job. Funny note, while listening through this book I caught a rerun of Casey Kasems American top 40 on the radio. The narrator sounds very similar to me. So the rest of the book felt like it was Casey Kasem reading.

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The must have for the Bruce Lee fan!

I've been a devoted Bruce Lee fan for over 40 years and have read all of his writing and both the good and horrible books written about him and this is by far the best. Very in depth a paints a picture of a son, a father, a husband, and a warrior. Outstanding!

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