Bruce Lee Signed 1963 First Edition Book

An exceptionally rare 1963 first edition of Chinese Gung Fu: The Philosophical Art of Self-Defense, Bruce Lee's first published book, personally inscribed and signed to Don Lindsley, a student at Lee's original Seattle martial arts school. The inscription, written in blue ink, reads: "To my student Don, Be soft yet not yielding; firm, yet not hard. Best Wishes, Bruce Lee" Beneath his signature, Lee added the Chinese character? (dragon), rendered in his distinctive stylized hand with a sweeping flourish. The character references his Chinese name, Lee Siu Lung ("Little Dragon"), and his birth in 1940, the Year of the Dragon. Lee occasionally incorporated this character into personal inscriptions. The message reflects his developing philosophy of balancing softness and strength, later central to Jeet Kune Do. Published by Oriental Book Sales of Oakland, California, in 1963, the book predates Lee's international film career and presents his early teachings on Chinese martial arts, including techniques, stances, and training methods. Several pages contain handwritten annotations, corrections, and Chinese characters. Provenance: Obtained directly from Don Lindsley by the current consignor around 1966-1968. Both attended Lee's original Seattle school, where the consignor studied under Lee's close friend and senior student, Taky Kimura, following Lee's relocation to California. The book has remained with the consignor ever since. Includes a written provenance statement. One of only a few known surviving signed and inscribed first edition copies. Weiss Auctions sold another example, inscribed to Lee's student Richard Bustillo, in April 2026 for $115,050. Original illustrated paperback featuring Bruce Lee on the front cover. Significant condition issues, including creasing, toning, edge and corner wear, and a missing back cover. Interior pages exhibit scattered marks and annotations. Estimate $20,000 - $40,000

Estimate:$20

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