Bruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden Dragon (Bruce Lee Library) [Paperback]

John Little (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Bruce Lee Library | Publication Date: November 27, 2000

The first compilation of Bruce Lee photographs published in association with the Bruce Lee estate. This book reveals the full range of Lee's talents. It includes rare photos spanning from his early stage career in Hong Kong to his worldwide success as an actor and martial arts phenomenon. Selected with the assistance of Lee's widow, Linda Lee Cadwell, Bruce Lee expert John Little presents a photographic record, accompanied by descriptive commentary, of all facets of this fascinating man, from the start of his career to his untimely death a quarter century ago. Included are photos from Bruce's personal family photos, from his childhood years, through the early years in Hollywood, to the peak of his career as an international star.

On the 60th anniversary of his birth, Lee remains a legendary figure of our time, and this comprehensive collection of photographs will be a must-have for all of Lee's millions of devoted followers.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

People were drawn to the charismatic Lee (1940-1973) not only by virtue of his physical skills as a martial artist but also by his words as a teacher. Lee spoke in a uniquely concise, passionate and honest style that made people want to listen to him. The intensity of his words and presence is expertly captured in this wonderfully illustrated book. Based on editor Little's short documentary film Bruce Lee in His Own Words, the narrative traces Lee's life from his childhood in Hong Kong up to his death in 1973. It features quotes from Lee on the subjects that were most important to him: humanity, family, acting and, of course, martial arts. Lee speaks with conviction about these matters and makes use of both allegory and humor to get across his points. The book also features stills from Lee's movies and television appearances, as well as personal photos of Lee with his family. In all, this is an enjoyable, nostalgic read that goes behind the camera, allowing the reader to see Lee not as a legend but as a human being. Even 27 years after his death, interest in Lee remains strong, and so this book should prove popular, not only among his fans but students of the martial arts; sport and fitness stores and centers are an obvious ancillary outlet. (Nov.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A brilliantly assembled photographic essay compiled and edited by John little, this is the life and career of Bruce Lee." -- Martial Arts Online Magazine

"Childhood snapshots, behind-the-scenes Hollywood images, and rare candid photos combine to form a scrapbook of Bruce's whole life." -- Inside Kung Fu

"Combines 200 color and black-and-white photographs from the Lee family collection." -- Seattle Magazine

"Lee fans will lap this book up." -- Columbus Dispatch

"Many of the photos of the martial-arts expert, actor and philosopher have never been published before." -- Indianapolis Star

"One look at this book and you won't be able to put it down...brilliantly assembled photographic essay." -- Martial Arts & Combat Sports

"Packed with tales about his youth in Hong Kong, his acting career in America, and his philosophies on fighting." -- Maxim

"[An] expansive collection of photos, from his Hong Kong childhood to fatherhood with son Brandon." -- Men's Fitness

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (November 27, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804832307
• ISBN-13: 978-0804832304
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #241,496 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like looking through a family photo album, October 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Bruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden Dragon (Bruce Lee Library) (Paperback)

What an intimate look at the man behind the image! The book is highly visual--the text is very limited--but the photos are like none that I've ever seen in other books on Lee. I'm talking about the baby pictures of Bruce and Brandon, photos of Lee from behind the scenes in his movies (a kind of spooky one of him and Sharon Tate from what must have been just before she was killed), and pictures of he and his wife just sitting on the couch at home. It makes you realize that there's a man and father behind the superhero that appears in his films. I loved it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Way of the Intercepting Fist, January 6, 2006

By 

doomsdayer520 (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Bruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden Dragon (Bruce Lee Library) (Paperback)

Many of the documentaries and biographies out there about Bruce Lee were unauthorized and created by shysters trying to cash in on his sudden death. This book, based on the recent video documentary "Bruce Lee: In His Own Words" is not only superior because it really is based on the master's own words, but the book and video are also endorsed by Bruce's widow and daughter. Here we get plenty of great photographs from Bruce's films, training, and family life. Meanwhile, Bruce's thoughts on acting, family, and his martial arts style (or, according to him, its dismissal of style) are true revelations for any fan of Bruce's classic movies. His thoughts on being a serious actor, rather than a martial arts "superstar," are quite a surprise; while his personal philosophy and attitudes toward martial arts mastery are both fascinatingly Eastern but surprisingly down-to-Earth and accessible for Western enthusiasts. So instead of fighting your way through all the frauds and fakes out there, get it from the master himself. [~doomsdayer520~]

4.0 out of 5 stars Bruce Lee, November 1, 2011

By 

C.M. Ho - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden Dragon (Bruce Lee Library) (Paperback)

The book was quite revealing to me and one will admire how hard he must have worked at all he did. I knew of Bruce Lee and have seen some of his movies.
I wish the book would have included the story of Brandon Lee, son of the dragon.

I am very happy to have bought this book because I appreciate the person Bruce Lee more after reading his life story.
I would recommend this biography to those who like biographies.
Thank you Amazon