Product Description
A collection of hundreds of never-before-seen photographs, ephemera, movie stills, and writings captures the life, career, and philosophy of the late actor and martial artist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The best man
When i read this book i thought that it would be stupid, but i read nad read until it started getting better.I rate this book with 5 stars because it teaches you how to fight and also some fighting moves.I think that if you read this book that you would like it to, thats all that i have to say about that.

Great for Photos but Lacking In Text
This book has tons and tons of photos of Bruce Lee but very little text information about Bruce and his life.It is a good overview but I was hoping for something a lot more substantial, especially interviews and such with those who knew and worked with Bruce.

not a bad biography
Pretty accurate about Bruce basics. This book is ok, But If you're going to read only one book about Bruce Lee, I strongly recommend THE TAO OF BRUCE LEE by Davis Miller, which is beautiful, funny, sad, inspiring, and surprisingly, a complete pageturner. I know Bruce's story pretty well but when reading Davis's book, there were moments when he actually had me wondering what would happen next. It's one of the best books about anybody or anything that I have read in a long time.

not as enthrawling as I expected it to be
It is an excellent book but a little hard to follow ... Read more

Product Description
The first authoritative, A-to-Z guide to today's #1 international media icon

The "Clown Prince" of martial arts and the world's top-grossing movie star, Jackie Chan has been delighting audiences with his two-fisted, high-velocity action comedies for more than three decades. The Unauthorized Jackie Chan Encyclopedia offers you and millions of other fans a first comprehensive look at everything Jackie. This lively and informative A-to-Z reference was carefully researched by martial arts expert John Corcoran and features photographs of Jackie Chan taken throughout his career. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good introduction to Jackie Chan
If you are interested in learning about Jackie Chan's films this is a good introduction.However, not enough personal data.I have read better accounts of his life. However, not bad.

Nice Guide to Chan's Film Career
"The Unauthorized Jackie Chan Encyclopedia" is a nice reference guide to Chan's prolific film career up to the year 2002. The book contains many interesting and obscure entries about Chan's career and the HK film industry in general including: Maggie Cheung, Hwang Jang-Lee, Wille Chan, Ng See-Yuen and the Shaw Brothers Studios.
The Unauthorized also includes Jackie Chan's first English language interview from 1981 and provides a musicography of Jackie's music career. There are also plenty of interesting and rare photos and magazine covers throughout the book. The only negatives are that author John Corcoran does not go into a lot of detail on many of the entries and seems to have aimed the book towards younger readers.

Overall the unauthorized Chan encyclopedia is a nice guide to the world of Jackie Chan and is recommended for die hard Chan fans. ... Read more

Product Description

Jackie Chan-mania swept America when Rumble in the Bronx gave movie audiences a thrilling look at theathletic actor known for performing his own jaw-dropping stunts. The Essential Jackie Chan Sourcebook reveals everything you want to know about the dare-devil dynamo who is part Buster Keaton, part Bruce Lee, and a truly unique performer in his own right -- and whose devoted cult following is exploding into international stardom.

With straight talk about his rise from Hong Kong's hometown hero to Hollywood megastar, get to know the professional and persoanl Jackie Chan through

• His revealing biography
• A complete filmography -- from his early roles to the recent star vehicles Operation Condor and Thunderbolt
• His peak performance workout
• His "Catalogue of Pain" -- from concussions to broken bones -- and his many stunt work near misses
• His awards and accolades
• Up-to-the-minute internet news and fan club information
• And much more!

Forget Stallone, Schwarzenegger and Van Damme. There's only one Jackie Chan -- and only one complete guide to the ultimate action film phenomenon! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Really interesting, very informative.
This book is full of information of Jackie's life as a kid and adult. It has twenty-or-so black and white pictures. This book has lots of information on most of his movies. It includes all of bad things that havehappened, bones that he has broken and other ways he has hurt himself overthe years. I am a big Jackie Chan fan and found this book very interestingand imformitive.

A Great Book about Jackie!
Its not Faulkner or Shakespeare, but its a great little book about JackieChan.If you are a Jackie fan you will never get bored with this book. Its got great information, reviews, profiles, and pictures.If you loveJackie get this book. ... Read more

Product Description
For the first time in history, the notoriously guarded warrior monks of the 1500-year-old Shaolin Temple--a Chinese Buddhist sect dedicated to preserving a form of kung fu known as the "vehicle of Zen"--have allowed their secretive society to be documented. With the blessing of the main abbot, Justin Guariglia earned the trust and full collaboration of the Shaolin monks to create an astonishing, empathic record of the Shaolin art forms and the individuals who consider themselves the keepers of these traditions. Over the past eight years, Guariglia has deftly captured the changing context of this ancient sect as it encounters the increasingly hyper-modern world of contemporary China. This amazing work provides viewers with a rare opportunity to examine the energy and spirit of the Shaolins' unique Zen practice, which has until now primarily been seen via pop-cultural interpretation in such films as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. It features serial imagery of fighting poses; cinematic grid images and cool design. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

What's The Point?
First off, I paid $40 for this when it first came out, so I feel completely robbed.There is exactly 4-full pages of text in this entire book.There are 9+ full pages of grainy and blurry b/w photos that offer zero value on any level because you can't see anything.There are 4-pages of apparent form sequence with so many images per page that are so small they are basically worthless.Then there are 6-pages where the person is so small that you can't see any detail, and there are hundreds of them on the page; how tricky.There is also some 9-pages that might as well be tourist shots if not for some of the moderately interesting background scenery.

A lot of the pictures are mug shots and mean nothing.Many are fancy poses with no martial value, often holding weapons of extraordinarily cheap Chinese construction that could only fool the untrained eye, like many of the other Shaolin tricks.

This is a coffee table book and nothing more.I give it 2-stars because some of the monks display high quality low-gate stance with exceptional form.The high point of the book for me is the 12-meditative hand mudras; this is the most (and only) advanced concept in the entire book.

Shaolin Temple Photo Essay
the photographs are powerful and descriptive of life in the Shaolin temple and the practice of Kung Fu .Professionally done and a work of art.

Beautiful Work of Art
This book has gorgeous photos of the Shaolin monks practicing Kung Fu and Zen meditation.I have seen other photo books on Shaolin, which mostly display superhuman feats in which the monks are more performers than martial artists.This book shows the inner sanctum of the Shaolin Temple with an artistic sensibility.Beautiful work.

Traditional Shaolin today
This book perhaps represents the direction that Shaolin should take in this new century.

After the martial underground of the early part of the 20th century, and then the circus-like modern explosion of Shaolin in the 90s and early 2000s, Shaolin now needs to revalue its traditional physical and spiritual roots, the health and strenght of traditional Shaolin WuShu united with the profound teachings of Chan (Zen) phylosophy, adapted in a pragmatic and captivating way to our modern lifestyles.

The photographs in this book, and their composition, certainly capture the stillness-action duality of Shaolin, and are a novel, more "artistic" take on the subject.

Perhaps for the first time a Shaolin-related book has moved away from the overdone scenes of many chinese publications, or from attempts at being a technical reportage, to simply use striking photography of traditional Shaolin GongFu WuShu to "paint a picture" of traditional Shaolin today, starting from the very monks the author chose to use.

A definite must for all Shaolin practitioners but more importantly for a far broader audience whom, through these images, migh begin a journey of understanding, and perhaps of practice, towards real Shaolin WuShu and Chan.

Disappointed
Let me start this review by clearly stating I know nothing about photography. I purchased this book after seeing it reviewed on a PBS program. While the content was what I expected, the photography was not. I found the paper to be inferior, the style of most of the photos are in a "moving" view which has many of them out of focus. A few of the subjects cover 2 pages and the folds ruin the setting. The short answer is for the lay person, I would not recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Even 30 years after his death, Bruce Lee remains a legend the world over. His writings and biographies continue to sell and his millions of fans worldwide are always eager for new and interesting information on him. This collection picks up where the popular Bruce Lee: Fighting Spirit left off. Comprised of a series of short, pithy selections including anecdotes, interviews, and short essays, the book reflects the many facets of a complex man with two distinctly different sides that were often in conflict. Bruce Lee, superstar and icon, the most exciting screen presence of his day, the most innovative martial artist of the modern era . . . and Bruce Lee, the flawed human and unfulfilled philosopher. In words and pictures, the book offers a reappraisal of Lee's tragic early death and insights into the underlying philosophy that made him a unique talent. Features 16 black-and-white photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Bruce lee : human
I read this some time ago not long after reading Fighting spirit. Its asober and palpable read this book was. I liked the chapter on joe lewis. It put Bruce's feet on the ground and out the air of diety so many other books built around him.Thomas didnt dress this up. He portrayed the memory of Bruce as flawed and eccentric---like most of us. It made him accessible and you can appreciate Bruce as a man of plain hard work.

good!!!
very interresting book for all Bruce Lee / Jeet Kune Do / Martial Arts students, i recommend "fighting words". ... Read more

Product Description
In 1962 author Greglon Lee's father, martial arts expert James Yimm Lee, joined forces with the future superstar Bruce Lee (1940-1973) to form the Jun Fan Gung-fu Institute, now considered the birthplace of Jeet Kune Do. Their relationship was crucial in Lee’s progression from unknown student to celebrated master, shaping Lee's ideology and outlook on the martial arts for years to come. Using extensive interviews with dozens of Bruce's students and contemporaries as well as anecdotes based on rare documents and family history, the authors present an engaging picture of Bruce Lee as an extraordinarily talented young man who was also a warm and caring person. This insider's look at Bruce Lee's formative years also outlines the development of Lee's legendary skills between 1962 and 1965, an era previously unchronicled, ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Poorly Written Story Of Great Martial Artists
This is a poorly written book about two great martial artists.I've been a martial artist and a Bruce Lee fan for over 30 years and have read many books and magazine articles about the legendary martial artist, and have to say this book has been a great disappointment.The book is slow and boring and I would not recommend it to anyone.Better to read one of Jesse Glover's, Dan Inosanto's, or John R. Little's books on the subject.

Truly pathetic
This book is just plain awful.I was expecting to learn more about James Lee (who IMHO is the most underated of all JKD practioners).

Most stories are conjecture and out right lies.The authors should be ashamed of themselves.This book does nothing but tarnish the legend of Bruce Lee.

To add insult to injury, it reads like a 3rd grade book report.

If I could write this review in blood and tears, I would.

Gotta take the good w/ the bad
The first part of this book regarding Bruce Lee's training w/ Gin Foon Mark seems totally bogus ! There is no eveidence Bruce Lee ever met this guy. The book details Lee's father and Bruce himself in NY, even covering in detail their innermost thoughts,and there is no proof of this other than the oral record of this guy who has claimed for years to have taught Bruce Lee. I think actually Lee's fathers last trip to the USA was when Bruce was born in 1940 .

On the other hand the material covering Seattle and early Oakland seems to be on the up and up and very imformative.

part 2 needs a real author
this is a book that has been needed for a long time now. the early bruce, and a look back at how he developed. there's great stuff here...too bad it reads like a "junior scholastic" teen book! the authors are poor storytellers. this is bruce lee material we have all been waiting for, james yimm lee, jesse glover, wally jay, etc. the early years! fantastic! some great photos...and some not so great maps, copied from "mapquest"? the book reads like a danielle steel movie-of-the-week potboiler...boring. fantastic material, horrible presentation. like a 5-star meal on a paper plate. bruce and james history both deserve a better treatment...5 star material served as 2 star writing! poor publishing from a company that usually puts out quality books. found quite a few grammatical mistakes...so o.k. get a real writer and a proofreader too! maybe they will make-up for it with volume 2.

James Yimm Lee & Bruce: Incredible!
An incredibly enthralling look at the relationship between two of the most influential martial artists of the 20th century.One now a well-known icon (Bruce Jun Fan Lee), the other just coming into his due (James Yimm Lee).For the first time, in this extensive work we can read about the symbiotic relationship between Bruce Lee and James Yimm Lee (not blood related to one another despite the last name).The book is helped immensely through the participation of Greglon Yimm Lee, James Lee's son, who offers insight into the life of his father and family life previously unknown.

Largely forgotten, or formerly summed up in a few brief paragraphs, James Lee wrote and published the first publicly available serious gung fu books in English. James Lee was a consummate martial artist in his own right, having studied at one of the first public Sil Lum (Shao-Lin) schools in San Francisco (under T.Y. Wong), as well as making it a practice to trade techniques and practice with other martial artists throughout the Bay area.Another famed student of James Lee's covered in this book is Al Novak, a pioneer in his own right.

James Lee was one of the first martial arts men to advocate the practical approach through his books, keeping useful information, and rejecting the notion of maintaining"tradition for tradition's sake."As a matter of fact, if you compare any of J.Y. Lee's early self-published books, you can see the progression J.Y. Lee made from blind obedience to tradition, to creating his own practical tradition.Of course, most of us don't have access to these books--which is what makes this volume, "The Dragon and the Tiger", a treasure.

There are photos and explanations of James Lee's early books, training devices, and classes--and the full story of how Bruce Lee came to adopt many of James Lee's theories and methods.It isn't difficult to see how James Lee's concepts became popularized by Bruce Lee, who adapted many of James Lee's methods to his own needs (as James Lee had intended).Bruce Lee of course, later became legendary for his own practical approach, which was later systematized in his Jun Fan Gung Fu and Jeet Kune Do, influencing contemporary martial arts thought in the U.S. and the World.

This is a book about friendship.About a journey into study and research and human limits that two men undertook together.It provides new information not contained in any other work which makes for an enjoyable read and a hard-to-set-down book.Finally, a book that gives credit where it is due--to James Yimm Lee: teacher, student, and argueably perhaps the greatest influence upon Bruce Lee.You needn't be a Bruce Lee fan to enjoy this book, anyone with an interest in American martial arts history, the Chinese community in America, or American history in general should find this fascinating. ... Read more

Product Description
Bruce Lee belongs in the top echelon of influential stars and iconic figures in the world. More than 35 years after his death, he remains a perennial bestseller in video stores, comic book shops, on T-shirts and posters. He influenced pop culture more than anyone, before or ever since. Time magazine named Bruce Lee as one of history's most influential people. At last, in this thought provoking, compelling, unique and intriguing landmark book you will discover a compilation of over 50 exclusive interviews with Bruce Lee's original students, friends, co-stars and colleagues. Those who knew him best give their candid views on the greatest martial arts master and action movie star adored by millions around the globe.Furthermore, for the first time ever, you will discover exclusive interviews with some of the best professional boxers, bodybuilders, UFC fighters and personalities from the motion picture industry paying homage to the legend who continues to have an indelible impact on millions of people from all walks of life around the globe. This is a must have book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Must have book for Bruce Lee Fans
A must have for all Bruce Lee fans. The interviews were great. I only wished that there was an interview on Guru Dan Inosanto. I am not sure why it was not included in this book. Guru Dan is among the few of students alive today spreading the art of JKD. However his daughter is included in this book. Overall its a great book and a great buy as a gift.

Blaze
[...]

Bruce Lee Conversations
I have read alot of Bruce Lee biographies. This one is awesome because it gives first hand accounts of the life and training of a legend. From original student and friends who where there, we get an insigtht to what bruce was thinking, how he evolved and alot of his training methods. would highly reccommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about the little dragon.

THE JAMES DEAN OF MARTIAL ARTS MOVIES
Let me just start off by saying I'm not what you would call a big Bruce Lee fan.Yes,I do own all of his martial arts movies.And yes,I have read my share of books about his life.And I wholeheartedly believe in more than a few of his principles about unarmed combat.But unlike his fans(root word,fanatic)I don't believe he was the greatest fighter whoever lived.A great martial artist,yes.A great fighter,no.To be considered a great fighter you should have more than three or four documented fights on your resume.Anything other than those fights,in my opinion,are just rumours.If you're going to go by heresay than Count Dante truly was the"deadliest man alive".The few documented fights Lee had were from a western-styled boxing tournament that he competed in while in high school.This book mentions that he won that tourney,but it fails to mention that he was knocked on his assets before finally beating the defending champ in the title bout.And that's why I'll always have this image of Joe Frazier walking through Lee's best shots(kicks and punches)and then depositing him in the sixth row with a left hook.Now,after saying all of that let me say I loved this book.You see this book isn't about Bruce Lee the mythical fighter.It's about Bruce Lee the pop culture icon.It consists of interviews from various people who were influenced by him in some way or another.Some of these people are famous,others you've probally never heard of.Some actually knew him.Like karate/kick-boxing champ Joe Lewis,who finally explains why he turned down the star-making role in the movie Way of The Dragon that went to Chuck Norris.Others,like Sugar Ray Leanord,were simply influenced by what they saw him do in the movies.I recieved this book for my birthday and I'm glad I did.To me Bruce Lee is a pop culture icon on the same level as an Elvis,James Dean or Three Stooges.No one could possibly deny that.And he was in fact one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century.I just don't think of him as being an invincible fighter.But that didn't stop me from enjoying this book.In fact I recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
Cal and his trainer, Riley, are on their way to Mexico for a make-or-break rematch with legendary fighter Rivera. Four years ago, Cal became the only mixed martial arts fighter to take Rivera the distance -- but the fight nearly ended him. Only Riley, who has been at his side for the last ten years, knows how much that fight changed things for Cal. And only Riley really knows what's now at stake, for both of them.

Katie Kitamura's brilliant and stirring debut novel follows Cal and Riley through the three fraught days leading up to this momentous match, as each privately begins to doubt that Cal can win. As the tension builds toward the final electrifying scene, the looming fight becomes every challenge each of us has ever taken on, no matter how uncertain the outcome.

In hypnotic, pared-down prose, The Longshot offers a striking portrait of two men striving to stay true to themselves and each other in the only way they know how. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Very good book, which could have been better without the rushed ending
If you are interested in mixed martial arts, like I am, there is plenty in this novel for you to enjoy. The story of the underdog that will fight the guy that already cleaned the floor with him, gives us good insights into the preparation for a fight, the training, the mental aspects, the fear and hopes, etc. The writing is very good too, which helps present the characters as real and not cartoonish at all, which is a common fault in novels of this type.

The only part that "spoils" the work (or at least does so in part) is the ending. And my comment has nothing to do with the events that develop at that point, but has more to do with the fact that we are reading a book in which the pace is slow, and we have time to observe the little things that make up the story. Then when we are reaching the climax, instead of taking advantage and delivering a full fledged ending, the author lets the story basically disappear in a second and we are left with a sour taste in our mouths. It's almost as if those characters that were full-fledged and real, turned into ashes in a couple of pages and left us with only the remains.

People interested in the subject matter will probably still find this novel worth their while, but if you are left with that sour taste too, don't say I did not warn you.

HE CLEARED HIS THROAT
The book says "he cleared his throat" so many times that I wondered what the author was trying to get at. You read it...and count the number of times that phrase is used...it is weird.

This was an ambitious book in one respect - it was entirely built around one fight -the build up and the fight itself. I don't know much about kick boxing - but I certainly know more now.

The author was able to build the suspense and to create the atmosphere of a fight night, with all of its electrifying momentum. I was mesmerised. As the fighter walked to the ring - I had butterflies in my stomach - my hands were shaking with anticipation and excitement. I can honestly say that the book had me gripped in a way no other book has ever done.

The book conveys such a love for the fighters and respect for what they do. I don't know whether our fighter died after the fight - such was the brutality of the encounter. But I certainly felt a renewed appreciation of what fighters at the high levels go though.

A superb book and a very compelling account of a fighter's art and his struggle.

About "heart", the fighting man's fuel
A few pages into the book this reader was reminded of John Huston's 1972 film "Fat City" starring Jeff Bridges as a lonely, journeyman boxer without a manager, travelling by bus from fight to fight, living wherever the promoters decide to dump him.
This book's heroes are Cal, once an unbeatable, natural-born fighter and Riley, his manager for the past ten years. Cal engages in a mixed form of martial arts, whereby boxing, wrestling and the use of low and high kicks, and knees are allowed. Cal is portrayed as the best in this type of fighting, until he loses on points from his two years-younger challenger Rivera, after three terrible rounds, four years ago. Since then Rivera has knocked out every contender in a matter of seconds or minutes, netting 8- or 900.000 USD per fight. Since the points decision, Cal has lost from opponents he should have blown away.
The rematch with Rivera is scheduled in Tijuana, Mexico. Cal and Riley drive to the venue by car and are billeted together in a cheap room (USD 46 a night) in a shabby hotel and advised to take their meals in the restaurant next door... Some manager, Riley.
The author never comments. Cal's and Riley's deep thoughts (often repeated)and their spoken words, always terse, push this curious and compelling book slowly forward. At three quarters into the book, readers still know little about Cal and Riley, except for some clues strewn around by the author. But by then they should really perk up and anticipate quantities of awesome drama... The best quarter of the book!
Ambition, rancour, doubt and fear are only a few of the feelings guiding the main protagonists in this debut novel written in the simple English fighters and their managers are expected to use. Deep book.

this book sucked
don't buy this book its boring, and the ending sucked which made a bad book worse.

Behind the scenes...Mixed Martial Arts
Having been a fan of Mixed Martial Arts competitions from the Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Extreme Cagefighting, this book was a must read for me.Katie Kitamura, the author, made me feel as though I was the hero of the novel, Cal.Your senses will awaken with the firsthand feel of the life and experiences of the career of a Mixed Martial Arts contender/champion.

My only reservation about the book, for younger aspiring fighters, is the graphic and explicit language.

Overall, this was an excellent and insightful book in the world of full contact competition.A truly inspiring novel.

Highly recommend. ... Read more

Product Description
A biography of the well-known actor and martial arts master, Bruce Lee, from his childhood in Hong Kong to his untimely death at the age of thirty-two. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A great intro to a fun subject
I was looking for a book for a nephew who was interested in martial arts films and came across this one, which was attractive, useful, and extremely readable. It's a great gift for those who want an introduction to this interesting figure.

Bruce lee

The book, Bruce Lee by Linda Tagliaferro, is an action-packed biography, including Bruce Lee in his fantastic movies like: "Enter the Dragon", "Fists of Fury", "Way of the Dragon," "The Chinese Connection". "Way of the Dragon" was later known as "Return of the Dragon" because it was released in the United States after Bruce's final movie, "Enter the Dragon".

I would rate this book with four stars because this book has a lot of action in it and good fighting sequences. The book also shares about marriageto Linda Lee having two kids, Shannon and Brandon Bruce Lee .Brandon was born on February 1, 1965 and Shannon was born on April 19, 1969.

On March 31, 1993 a tragedy happen in the making of "The Crow" Brandon died. He thought he was about to get shot with a blank but instead he was shot with a .44-caliber. Eric Draven pointed the gun at Brandon.He fired the gun and Brandon fell to the floor. The scene ended, but Brandon didn't get up.

Read this book you will like this biography very much by Linda Tagliaferro.

Bruce lee, easy as a b c
Linda Tagliaferro's biography Bruce Lee offers an uncomplicated outline of Lee's life for young readers in the nine to twelve age group.The book portrays Lee as a positive role model for youngsters of any ethnic background. Additionally, the book gives brief scenarios for all of Bruce Lee's adult films and also offers a brief and thoughtful outline of Brandon Lee's short life and film career.

Tagliaferro traces Lee's Life from his birth in San Francisco in 1940 to his all too brief brush with fame in Hong Kong before his sudden death in 1973 and subsequent posthumous stardom.The childhood years of Bruce `never sits still' Lee in Hong Kong are nicely sketched by Tagliaferro. Also the descriptions of Lee's early days in America given by his various friends are touching. For example, Lee's life at Ruby Chows Chinese Restaurant in Seattle as recounted by his friend Skip Ellsworth.Lee's room is described as being, `exactly the same size as a normal closet.He slept on the floor and the "desk" that he studied on was a wooden apple box.' Bruce kept his clothes folded on the floor next to his bed. There was one bare lightbulb hanging from the ceiling'.However, perhaps understandably, the later, more complex years of Bruce Lee's life are less fully portrayed.

The `facts' are presented simply and clearly. However, adult readers will be only too well aware that the `facts' being presented are only one version of Bruce Lee's story. My main criticism of the book is that the absence of any real interest in Bruce Lee by Linda Tagliaferro is a weakness.Also the previous titles by Linda Tagliaferro for example, Genetic Engineering: Progress or Peril? chart a rather odd trajectory into writing about Bruce Lee. Overall however, Bruce Lee is a very pleasant little book; well illustrated with carefully chosen photographs on nearly every page. Furthermore, it attempts to offer children a positive message about what can be achieved in the face of obstacles and discrimination.For adult readers, it's strictly for the `must have everything about Bruce Lee type'.Otherwise, find a child you can buy it for, then borrow it!

All quotes taken from, Bruce Lee, by Linda Tagliaferro, (A&E Lerner Publications 2000).

Interesting, informative book.
Well-written, well-balanced book on Bruce Lee, with good pictures and some interesting facts I hadn't heard before.

Great book for all
Although written for kids, this was a book that both adults and children would find fascinating and interesting.I couldn't put it down and wanted to read more.Many facts about Bruce Lee I had never known before.Wonderful pictures.Some educational background on Chinese culture. ... Read more

Product Description
If you're a fan of Jackie Chan--the world's most popularaction movie star--you've got to have this book.Drawing fromInside Kung Fu magazine's exclusive archives, every page ispacked with rare pictures and unique insights on this comedy-kung-fumega-star.From Jackie's personal reflections on his childhoodthrough the evolution of his on-screen characters and his recentbox-office smash successes, you'll get the real story and get to knowthe real Jackie Chan--the man behind the movie star.You'll hearJackie talk about the issues and topics that mean the most to him,including:

• Childhood and his early training
• Martial artsand street fighting
• Health and fitness
• The philosophy behindevery role
• Success and stardom
• The film industry andmoviemaking
• Fight scene choreography and stunt coordination

Customer Reviews (5)

a bit boring for a big fan
I have many Jackie Chan books and products, and this book sits on my shelf untouched. The information is dated and incorrect in some cases, and the pictures look rough. If you are a Jackie fan looking for something new or exciting, this is not for you.

Interesting
This volume of articles and tidbits about the great Jackie Chan is definitely worth a read if not great. There are many fine insights into the man and the legend Jackie Chan, and indeed a lot of interesting photographs, which makes it so much the more enjoyable.

The format of the book, however, does not really agree with me. I don't like the article form, it seems cheap and mean. In my opinion it would have been better to write a uniform, coherent text based on the interviews and articles instead. The information is still there, it just seems a bit disorganized (which it really is not, it just seems that way).

It is still highly recommendable for all the information in there. Sure to please any fan.

Terrific!
This book is a fabulous read.I couldn't put it down until I finished it.It is not a narrative, but rather a compiled series of interviews between the author(s) and Jackie Chan that have taken place over the past ten years or so.The chapters are split up into sections on his childhood, martial arts training, philosophy, health and fitness, career and film making, stunt coordinating etc.Each chapter has an introduction and then goes straight into an indepth interview with Jackie Chan himself!There is a small overview at the beginning of the book on his life (a mini "My Life in Action"!) and at the end a filmography and a chapter containing what the author considers are Jackie's ten best stunts in a short paragraph format.There is a treasure trove of pictures from Jackie's films (all black and white unfortunately), many not before seen.I consider this book belongs on the shelf with Jackie's autobiography as it is contains personal insights and comments from "The Man" himself.My respect for Jackie Chan, already high after reading "My Life in Action", has risen even higher.The man is phenomenal and makes the so-called "Hollywood Stars" shine rather pale in comparison.If the many who dismiss Jackie as "just an action actor" could only read this book, how their eyes would be opened!Highly recommended - a must read!

the best
I loved this book. Anyone into the arts will love this book to. Its great and i personally like Jackie Chan.

THE GREATEST JACKIE CHAN BOOK OF ALL TIME!
This book is awesome! John Little's interview with Jackie Chan is worth the price alone. The photographs are the best, particularly the one of Jackie climbing a flag pole that looks like it has to be 50 feet off theground! I learned so much about Jackie Chan, his martial arts training, hisfitness methods and his personal philosophy. Having read all the otherbooks on Jackie, I can easily say that this is - by far - the best! A mustfor everyone who loves his stunts or have been awed by his physical talentin martial art. ... Read more

Product Description
As editor-in-chief of the world-renowned Magnum agency, James Fox has worked with many of the most famous names in photography. However, for almost thirty years he has also led a secret life as a photographer himself, chronicling the world of boxing. The hard-won trust and long-standing friendships he has found there have allowed him unprecedented access behind the scenes of this dramatic and dangerous sport, and the result is this remarkable collection that reveals the public and the private faces of the 'noble art' at its most enthralling. Legends like Muhammed Ali and Carlos Monzon become heroes to millions; kids with big ambitions dream of future glory; boxers put in months of hard work for just a few minutes in the spotlight. All around the world, at every level, the moments of passion and excitement, triumph and despair remain the same. From the spectacle and glamour of a night at Madison Square Garden to the gritty atmosphere of the backstreet gyms, Fox's endless fascination with the sport and the fighters themselves shines through. ... Read more

Product Description
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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The Way of the Intercepting Fist
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~]

Life and times of the true master
There are no limitations , save those that we create for ourselves... Bruce Lee

This is a great book if you are looking for a compilation of rare photos and facts.. Unlike most books out there that beat around the bush , This book showcases the man as he wanted to project himself to the world .The perspectives are variable throughout the book , giving the reader a vast panoramic view of the life and times of the much hyped martial arts superstar..

Frankly, if you're looking for a detailed description of his persona , you will find exactly that and more.. Full of great photos that give a realistic insight on the master , this book is a good buy if you are interested in the glam..

If you are a martial artist however , I would strongly suggest that you do not buy this book . There are various other books that will serve your purpose, books like 'The Tao of JKD'.

Informative. Great Pictures. A Great Addition.
This book is a great addition to my collection of Bruce Lee books of pictures, filmography, philosopy and techniques. It has one of the best picture collections of all the books I've seen. The content isn't bad either. Talking about the life of the Little Dragon and some of the deep thoughts he had in his short life in this world. My fan-ography of the Jeet Kune Do Sifu is just starting, even if I have been a follower for years. This book is not a dissapointment. It will be a great addition to any collection.

a must
Bruce Lee was his own man.he had so much style&smoothness about him.this book highlights his world in front of the public&behind it.very detailed&very upfront.you get a very insightful look into his world&vision.a man who forever changed the world with his talent&craft.a man who was trying to make sense of his surroudings&the things that were in placed around him.He will never be forgotten.

Like looking through a family photo album
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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Mochizuki Does it Again
Ken Mochizuki has built a reputation over the years writing books that encourage and inspire. In this children's book, Mochizuki introduces the ideas of Bruce Lee, especially how hard work and focus pay off, especially for something of a misfit youth. The book makes no effort to teach Lee's fighting style, and Mochizuki's colloborator Dom Lee's illustrations are age-appropriate, and will delight a child reading along with an adult at bedtime.

John Spiers

"Be Water..."doesn't hold water
I do not believe this book is endorsed by the Bruce Lee Foundation.
I believe this not only because the book obviously does not state any endorsement from Bruce Lee's family (both here in the U.S. and China) but largely because of all the inaccuracies.
What is disappointing is any person who is even remotely familiar with Bruce Lee will see the drawings in this book are blatent reworkings of still shots from Bruce's films as an adult and inaccurately placed as his childhood years.
The final insult is drawings reworked to show inaccurate martial arts positions.
Bottom line is this thin 16 pg. book is just reworkings with a few lines that might quickly bore any adult and child of any age.
Recommendation - save your money and find a real bio with actual photos of Bruce Lee. ... Read more

Product Description
Millions of people worldwide know Chuck Norris as the star of more thantwenty motion pictures, a martial arts expert, and the only man in theWestern Hemisphere to hold an eighth degree Black Belt Grand Master inTae Kwon Do. Countless others see him daily in syndicated reruns as thehero of the longest running CBS series to date, "Walker, Texas Ranger."

What many don’t know is that Chuck Norris is a sincere Christian–a manwhose faith plays a role in everything he does. Against All Odds is theinspirational story of how Norris overcame abject poverty from childhood,the effects of his father’s alcoholism and desertion of the family, and hisown shyness and lack of strength and ability early in his life. Norris writescandidly about the past and gives God full credit for where he is today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Getting to Know Chuck
My wife handed me Against All Odds one day to read.I said that I was already reading two or three other things but since I really like autobiographies I started to check it out.It was so good that I could hardly put it down and actually finished reading it before the other two or three I had already started!I was somewhat knowledgeable of Chuck Norris mainly through tv and movies.This autobiography really brought Mr. Norris to life however.It was as if he were actually talking to you in a personal way.The makeup of the text actually reads as if he is relating his story to you, sort of the old storyteller type of format.I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes autobiographys or is interested in finding out more about Chuck Norris.It's an easy read and very interesting.

One the best books I've ever read
I could not put this book down. It was completely awesome.

Chuck's story speaks volumes. His character in finances and work-ethic are lessons this generation need to hear.

This met and exceeded all my expectations. I highly recommend this book. Even men who are not big on reading will enjoy this book.

It's a good book
I got this book for a good friend for Christmas and she loves it and she rereads everyday

A great book
You don't have to be a martial arts fan or an admirer of Chuck Norris to really enjoy this book.A great story.

CHUCK NORRIS APPROVED
My son requested this book (bonus enough he ASKED for a BOOK!) :) for Christmas, & he was ecstatic to get it! He's really enjoyed reading it & says to please tell you it is an honor to read about a real life American hero in his own words, & is (he told me to capitalize this) CHUCK NORRIS APPROVED! WE LOVE CHUCK!!! ... Read more

Product Description
As one of the biggest stars to burst into U.S. theaters, Jackie Chan has wowed audiences with death-defying stunts. But who really is this lightning-fast Charlie Chaplin of martial arts moviemaking? Now, in I Am Jackie Chan, he tells the fascinating, harrowing, ultimately triumphant story of his life: How the rebellious son of refugees in tumultuous 1950s Hong Kong became the disciplined disciple of a Chinese Opera Master. How the dying art of Chinese opera led Jackie to the movie business. And how he broke into Hollywood big time by breaking almost every bone in his body.
Amazon.com Review
Since his first role in 1962 at the age of 8, Jackie Chan hasappeared in more than 70 movies. For more than 20 years, he has beenthe biggest star in Asia, but in the West he remained a secret, hismovies passed around on tape and his fame growing by word of mouthalone. In the '90s, with the success of crossover movies like RushHour and the support of a new generation of filmmakers who grew upwatching Jackie Chan videotapes, his star finally rose in theWest. But where did he come from, and how did he achieve so much?

His autobiography, I Am Jackie Chan, answers those questions inan engaging, almost novelistic style. When his father moves toAustralia to take up a new job, the young Jackie is placed in HongKong's China Drama Academy under the tutelage of Master YuJim-yuen. For the next 10 years he is trained in martial arts, dance,acrobatics, singing, and comedy, while suffering extraordinaryhardships, including regular beatings and near-starvation. Yet he canlook back on this period of his life with considerable affection, notleast because it taught him the skills, and provided him with thenetwork of friends, that would sustain his film career fordecades. Chan has always earned the respect of his fans by committinghimself wholeheartedly to creating the most death-defying stuntspossible. His achievements seem even more remarkable when set againstthe struggles described in this book. In the Drama School, as a youngstuntman, in his first troubled attempts to make movies inAmerica--Chan's personality shines through, and I Am JackieChan can only enhance his reputation as one of the most likableand admirable movie stars in the world. The book also includesJackie's comments on all of his movies, lists of his favorite stuntsand fights, and an astonishing catalog of all his major injuries. Canyou imagine what it must feel like to dislocate your cheekbone?--Simon Leake ... Read more

Customer Reviews (91)

Excellent service
My granddaughter needed this for school and I could not find it locally. Ordered and had trouble getting the online issues done and was afraid it would not arrive in time. How surprised when she called to let me know her book was here with time to spare. Thanks for the save!

Even Better Than His Movies
I admit I might be a little biased on this review as I'm a bit of a Jackie Chan fan; however, you don't have to be one to enjoy this book.As one might expect from a biography, Jackie details his life from childhood in an opera academy to junior stuntman scraping by to making it in Hollywood with Rush Hour.Like his movies, Jackie Chan's life is very entertaining.The man certainly packs a lot of adventures into one lifetime.And though it may not be intended as such, but this to me is also a very uplifting and inspirational read.Many know Jackie today as the successful action movie star, but few realize the hardship that he had to go through and things he had to overcome to be where he is today.And this is where this book shines.It takes you on a ride of his life. You're there with him when he gets dumped, when he fails at acting, when he makes it big...And you'll identify with his struggles and hardships and perseverance.You'll be rooting for him to try harder to succeed. All in all a very enjoyable read.

Chans the Man
The Autobiography is very well written, and is full of classic Jackie Chan humor! His story is something so amazing it sounds like a work of fiction. After the Autobiography is done he gives a filmography of all the films hes worked on, so its a great shopping list for the Chan completest too!

If you are a fan of Jackie Chan, you must own this book.

a great read
I have read this book more than 10 times and it never gets old. The stories are incredible, told by Chan himself. Although it doesn't go as deep as a big Chan fan might hope, it is funny, smart and very entertaining. There is information about all his movies up to 1999, including great information about his stunts and filming adventures.

" So you play Kung FU"
I Am Jackie Chan My Life in Action 1998 5/5
Written by :Jackie Chan & Jeff Yang

Easily one of the best books I have ever read. This books contains 398 pages of pure joy. Seriously I read this book In one sitting . I was already a fan of Jackie Chan now I have so much respect for him. The copy I own includes a extra chapter, I would say it's worth buying again to read that extra chapter. Jackie Chan had a very interesting upbringing filled with beating and let downs. I mean he was abandoned by his parents who essentially sold him to the Peking Opera. Where they had the power to punish him up till death.

In here Jackie talks about the makings his earlier films. I really enjoyed this book as much as I enjoy his movies. Jeff Yang has said in interviews that there is works to release a second volume. Lets hope for that!
... Read more

Product Description
The modern era can claim few heroes as powerful and enduring as Bruce Lee. His philosophy transcended the world of martial arts he dominated, and his thoughts and beliefs have inspired and influenced individuals from all walks of life for more than half a century. To some, Lee was the outsider who crashed Hollywood's gates and introduced Americans to action films. To others, he was the bold and capable pioneer who successfully challenged centuries of martial arts tradition. Still others revered him as a contemporary philosopher and visionary. Today, a new generation has discovered Lee as a model of discipline, strength, and wisdom. Within these pages, the reader will find insight and inspiration in Bruce Lee's own words, in rare interviews never before published in book form, with all-new commentary by the original interviewers. Twenty-five years after his death, Lee's words still resonate, speaking truths that are as essential today as ever before. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Okay
I wouldn't wbuy this unless you're'a die hard bruce less fan. buy the warrior within by john little. it covers far more of bruce's philiosophies then this book.

An insight into the personality of Bruce Lee
This book gave me a further insight into the kind of person Bruce Lee was. This is due to my reading a couple of others about him. The impression that was most re-inforced was that he was a positive minded person. The other thing I picked up here was that he was the kind of person who always evaluated himself on a regular basis to see how he could improve etc.
The bad thing about thing about this book is the interviews with the interviewers; these are nothing more than opinions about Bruce by men who, in my book, didn't know Bruce long enough to warrant their opinions to be worth printing in a book. I think these were included to give volume to the book. Because I was only interested in Bruce's own words, I learned nothing from these bits.(It is because of these wasteful bits I only given 3 stars)

The really own words of the master are excellent
One at the front: The really own words of the master are excellent. One must make sure that only 43 sides of the only 7 x 5 inch small book are interviews with Bruce Lee. The rest consists of interviews with the formerinterviewers. However, as a paperback this book costs not really a fortune.But the words of the master are absolutely worth-while, as alreadymentioned at the beginning.

THE PROTOTYPE OF ALL FUTURE BRUCE LEE BOOKS!
I purchased the hardcover edition of "Bruce Lee: Words From A Master" several months ago and enjoyed it thoroughly. The fact thatthis book is the ONLY book in existence that is based upon actual andverifiable transcripts of Bruce Lee speaking about his life, art andphilosophy make it the only unimpeachable source of information from BruceLee. I was at an airport the other day and spotted the new paperbackedition of this book. I wasn't going to buy it, since I already had thehardcover edition, but I couldn't help myself! I like the paperback editionthat much better as it is less awkward than the hardcover (particularly forsuch a comparatively small book). I think that this book will serve as thetemplate or prototype of all future Bruce Lee books as it isn't a photobook -- it's a serious presentation of the thought and opinions of one ofthis century's greatest philosophers and martial artists, Bruce Lee, and ispresented in a serious and engaging format. The book is chock full ofvaluable and practical information on life, combat, racism, yin-yang,dealing with challenges in life, and so on -- but all of it comes DIRECTLYfrom Bruce Lee himself. It's such a great and powerful little book that Iwill probably end up buying another copy for myself, along with additionalcopies for friends this Christmas. Thank you John Little and ContemporaryBooks for this masterpiece! I also bought John Little's "The WarriorWithin" (perhaps the greatest Bruce Lee book ever written) and hopethat Contemporary and Mr. Little will be bringing us more Bruce Leephilosophy books in the near future! It's the perfect tonic for ourtroubled times.

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!
"Bruce Lee: Words From A Master" is the most insightful and revealing book on Bruce Lee, his martial art and his personal philosophy that I have ever read. The beauty of it is that these incredible interviews provide unquestionable authority as they are the only three interviews thatcan be verified through audio and video tape as being legitimately BruceLee and expressing his honest views and beliefs. Every other book containsquotes from Bruce Lee (I exclude the Tuttle series of books which are basedupon his original writings)but never the context from which they are taken.The format of this book is also very agreeable; John Little (the editor andworld's foremost authority on Bruce Lee) has actually tracked down thethree individuals who recorded these interviews with Lee and obtained theirinsights and recollections on their dialogues with Bruce Lee. Absolutelybrilliant! I have never -- ever -- seen this done in a book before. I hopethat Mr. Little (who's other book "The Warrior Within" is withoutquestion the best presentation of Bruce Lee's philosophy I have everread)is planning on continuing to write more books on Lee's thought asthese books have only whetted my appetite for more authentic teachings ofBruce Lee. I highly recommend that you buy this book. ... Read more

Product Description
This biography of Bruce Lee, who died in 1973, examines not only his life, but also the philosophy and fighting skills that made him such a well-known exponent of martial arts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Bruce Lee lives on!
When I was about 15, I was not a reader. I bought this book because I loved Bruce Lee, and everything about Bruce Lee would be in my buying range. I finished the book in 2 days! Excellent book with information you won't find anywhere else!

5/5

Without a doubt, the BEST Bruce Lee bio out there!!
I, like most guys who grew up in the 70's, was and am a huge Bruce fan, and I've read just about everything ever written about him. I agree with other reviewers in that this bio is the most informative and heartfelt account of Bruces' life, written by a musician by the way! Bruce Thomas does an excellent job conveying to the reader his views on what made Bruce Lee such an electrifying human being, without it being blind hero worship. Bruce's supreme confidence and his normal human fears are explored. For fans like myself who are interested in Bruce's extraordinary martial arts abilities, Mr.Thomas delves into this aspect better than it's ever been done! Just the BEST Bruce Lee book you can get - get it and "Be WATER my friend".

Solid
Nice overview of his life. Also some decent martial arts info, but mostly from the mental side. Decent concepts to apply to life/coaching.

Clowntime is over...
In a recent article for The Daily Mirror Tony Parson's wrote that "not all the Chinese have a stake in the country's new found prosperity but every single one of them has a stake in the Beijing Olympics". A cursory glance in the year-view mirror reminds us that, up until these last few post-empire decades, the Chinese, viewed through these now dimming lens of colonialism, were rendered a nation of waiters, laundry workers and villains; so it's hardly surprising that this global scale event should be embraced so passionately with a view of saying to the world "Look how far we've come." But the true genesis of this particular brand of pan-cultural re-calibration had already taken place back in 1971 with a movie called Tang Shan Da Xiong (The Big Boss) and an actor called Bruce Lee.

To describe Lee as a cultural phenomenon is an understatement and inevitably legends are built on myths which grow more fantastic with every telling. His four completed works defined martial arts movies for all time and his unfinished opus Game of Death is basically the template for computer gaming which now, of course, informs much of modern action movie making; add `visionary innovator' to Lee's curriculum vitae.

This oft maligned icon has suffered much in deathbut has been redeemed somewhat by the sober and highly respectful biography `Fighting Spirit' from Bruce Thomas who is perhaps better known as the geeky and underrated bass player with Elvis Costello's Attractions. Thomas, as it turns out, is also a disciple of Lee's own fluid style of Kung Fu known as Jeet Kun Do (Way of the Intercepting fist) - clearly not a geek to be messed with.
Thomas' Fighting Spirit is the story of Siu Lung (Little Dragon) and his metamorphosis from child actor to teenage hoodlum; from martial artist to international superstar and media martyrdom at thirty two. It deals extensively with Lee's personal philosophy and the constant evolution of his art - and on reading Fighting Spirit you do come to appreciate that beyond the `chop socky' conventions of the movies which defines the form - Kung Fu is indeed an art.
Chapters examining Lee's philosophy inevitably verge into `ah Grasshopper' territory; "Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend." But much of Lee's impish humour comes through with the no less insightful "A punch in the mouth is a punch in the mouth."

As much as that now iconic image back in `89 of a lone student hindering the progress of a tank in Tinneman Square, the mise-en-scene that we most associate with China is Bruce Lee streaked with blood in a hall of mirrors from Enter the Dragon. As the political sturm und drang of the Tibetan conflict threaten to engulf the event, Parson's assertion that Olympiad 2008 is a demonstration of national pride and a chance to say to the world "You can't look down on us anymore" - the fact of the matter is - the world hasn't looked down on China since Bruce Lee.

Well-done biography
A good biography that tells the story of Bruce Lee and the development of his martial art Jeet Kune Do. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 due to the excessive number of grammatical errors in the book. ... Read more