Bruce Lee

The first authoritative biography of film star 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.

Reviews

'For anyone interested in Lee's legacy, this is a roundhouse kick of a biography.' * Sunday Times *
'Proper biographical investigation ... From his early street fights to his friendship with Steve McQueen, from his cha-cha to his one-inch punch, Bruce Lee was made to be Bruce Lee. And Matthew Polly was made to be his biographer.' * The Spectator *
'The first in-depth account of Lee's journey from a street-brawling teenager to a global icon ... Lee's charisma, ambition and relentless appetite for combat leap off the pages.' * CNN *
'Matthew Polly's new biography is long overdue but does Hong Kong's most famous son proud ... engaging, enthusiastic and empathetic.' * South China Morning Post Magazine *
'The first noteworthy treatment of its subject - and a definitive one at that ... Fascinating.' * New York Times Book Review *
'Proof that dogged research and sharp insight lie at the foundation of any successful biography ... a definitive work to satisfy Lee's fans and spark curiosity in a new generation.' * Associated Press *
'This thorough, well-sourced biography from Polly is an engrossing examination of the life of a martial arts movie star and his shocking, early death ... Polly wonderfully profiles the man who constructed a new, masculine Asian archetype and ushered kung fu into pop culture.' * Publisher's Weekly *
'At last, Bruce Lee has the powerful biography he deserves. Matthew Polly's book is packed with new information and sharp insights. It will thrill Lee's fans and fascinate the unfamiliar. Bravo!'
-Jonathan Eig, author of Ali: A Life and Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig
'You won't find a better match for a biographer with his subject than Matthew Polly and Bruce Lee. From Lee's early days as the self-proclaimed Cha-cha Champion of Hong Kong to his final, fiery years as the iconic, fist flashing, kung-fu master, Polly tells Bruce Lee's story with clarity and empathy, tearing away the myths to reveal Lee's most interesting persona yet: the man himself. A definitive biography, told with passion and punch.'
- Brian Jay Jones, author George Lucas: A Life and Jim Henson: The Biography.
'Believe it or not, Bruce Lee has never been the subject of a truly in-depth biography-until now. With this meticulously researched, beautifully realised work, Matthew Polly has written the definitive account. It moves with the authority, grace and economy of Lee himself. I was hooked from the first chapter.'
-Jimmy McDonough, author Shakey: Neil Young's Biography and Soul Survivor: A Biography of Al Green