The Book
James Lee was the perfect person to help Bruce publish his book in 1963. The original purchase price was just $5.00. While it's not known how many copies of the book were sold when it was first published, the first chance many collectors had to obtain the book was in 1993 when Heather Holmberg and Superior Galleries held the first Bruce Lee Auctions.
At the time of the auctions it was stated only 500 copies of the book were ever printed. Since then copies of the book have appeared on auction sites like eBay on a fairly regular basis. Legitimate copies can go for a $1,000 or more depending on condition and a signed copy can fetch $2,500 or more.
It is interesting to note James and Bruce published three different items related to "Chinese Gung Fu" - the book, a poster and an essay. Please refer to the other tabs for more details on the poster and essay.
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auction catalogs
bruce's personal library
If you look closely, you can see Bruce's own book on the shelf behind him.
If you look closely, you can see Bruce's own book on the shelf behind him.
If you look closely, you can see Bruce's own book on the shelf behind him.
If you look closely, you can see Bruce's own book on the shelf behind him.
If you look closely, you can see Bruce's own book on the shelf behind him.
First Edition
Published 1963, 102 pages, original price $5.00, published by Oriental Book Sales. This is the original book published while Bruce was alive. There were at least two "printings" of this book but both are considered authentic first editions. This book has no ISBN number.
Second Edition
Published 1987, 102 pages, original price $6.50, published by Ohara Publications, Inc. This book was intentionally made to look like the original book and is labeled as a reproduction inside the cover.
Third Edition
Published 1988, 102 pages, original price $8.50, published by Ohara Publications, Inc. This book was intentionally made to look like the original book and is labeled as a reproduction inside the cover.
Fourth Edition
Published 2008, 128 pages, original price $12.95, published by Black Belt Books. This version is revised and updated with additional photos as well as commentary from Linda Lee and Shannon Lee. It has a black and white cover and looks completely different from the 1st, 2nd or 3rd editions.
