BRUCE LEE - AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT SIGNED - HFSID 354689

EXTREMELY RARE BRUCE LEE SIGNED ESSAY. INCLUDES 180 WORDS IN HIS OWN HAND! AMONG EARLIEST KNOWN WRITING EXAMPLES.

Autograph Manuscript signed: "Bruce Lee", blue ink, 2p (front and back), 6½x8. Headed: "Dictation", circa late 1950's. This essay appears to be an English dictation exercise, likely written during Lee's time (1956-1959) at St. Francis Xavier College in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Found throughout are Lee's own handwritten corrections to grammar or spelling showing is dedication to proper language use. Writing reflects Lee's famous flowing signature and graceful writing style. Uneven tearing to left-side edge, with minor creasing throughout; light markings present at upper left corner, not affecting text. Overall, fine condition. Accompanied by Beckett letter of Authenticity.

In part: "The history of aviation is full of adventures, and their happy outcome has proved how great is man's ability to brave the dangers which confront him. Not long ago an aviator, while flying over a part of Africa, met with engine trouble at a time when visibility was poor, and was compelled to descend in an swamp at the edge of a large lake. His machine turned upside down and became deeply embedded in the mud. The pilot, though injured in the head, managed with great difficulty to extricate himself...He trod on what he thought was firm ground. Suddenly it moved and he found it was a crocodile. Only after five hours exertion did he reach safety; His clothes were torn to shreds, but he was thankful to be alive... "

Bruce Lee (1940-1973) was a Hong Kong-American martial artist, actor, director, and cultural icon, known for revolutionizing martial arts cinema and bridging the gap between East and West in popular culture. Born in San Francisco and raised in Hong Kong, Lee returned to the United States as a teenager, later studying drama and philosophy at the University of Washington. He created his own martial arts philosophy called Jeet Kune Do and gained attention for his role as Kato in The Green Hornet (1966-1967). Frustrated by limited opportunities in Hollywood, Lee starred in a series of Hong Kong films including The Big Boss and Fist of Fury, and later achieved worldwide fame with Enter the Dragon (1973). Lee died unexpectedly at the age of 32, with the official cause of death listed as cerebral edema. His legacy continues to influence martial arts, film, and popular culture globally.