Measure of a Man : A Spiritual Autobiography by Sidney Poitier (2007, Trade Paperback)

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About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherHarperCollins
ISBN-100061357901
ISBN-139780061357909
eBay Product ID (ePID)59033981

Product Key Features

Book TitleMeasure of a Man : a Spiritual Autobiography
Number of Pages272 Pages
LanguageEnglish
Publication Year2007
TopicParenting / Fatherhood, Women, Entertainment & Performing Arts
GenreFamily & Relationships, Biography & Autobiography
AuthorSidney Poitier
FormatTrade Paperback

Dimensions

Item Height0.6 in
Item Weight7.5 Oz
Item Length8 in
Item Width5.3 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceTrade
Dewey Edition21
TitleLeadingThe
ReviewsCandid memoirs from teh actor who has starred in more than forty movies, directed nine, and written four., "With the unwavering sense of dignity and worth . . .this man's authenticity is earned by the life he describes." -- Los Angeles Times Reading The Measure of a Man is somewhat akin to having a worthwhile conversation with a revered older relative; he doesn't always tell you what you want to hear, but you appreciate it just the same. -- Washington Post An affecting new memoir. -- Dallas Morning News In this powerful book, [Poitier] shares his touchsotnes with us and makes us question what foundations guide our own lives. -- Ebony Revealing . . . Poitier invites us to re-examine his work and, through it, our history. -- New York Times Magazine Candid memoirs from teh actor who has starred in more than forty movies, directed nine, and written four. -- USA Today Reflective, generous, humane . . . moving . . .[Poitier] writes with vivid emotion. -- New York Times Book Review Having already penned a book about his professsional life, legendary actor Sidney Poitier tackles a greater subject--life itself--with this new spiritual autobiography. -- American Way, With the unwavering sense of dignity and worth . . .this man's authenticity is earned by the life he describes., In this powerful book, [Poitier] shares his touchsotnes with us and makes us question what foundations guide our own lives., "With the unwavering sense of dignity and worth . . .this man's authenticity is earned by the life he describes." (Los Angeles Times), Reading The Measure of a Man is somewhat akin to having a worthwhile conversation with a revered older relative; he doesn't always tell you what you want to hear, but you appreciate it just the same.
Dewey Decimal791.43/028/092 B
Synopsis"I have no wish to play the pontificating fool, pretending that I've suddenly come up with the answers to all life's questions. Quite that contrary, I began this book as an exploration, an exercise in self-questing. In other words, I wanted to find out, as I looked back at a long and complicated life, with many twists and turns, how well I've done at measuring up to the values I myself have set." -Sidney Poitier In this luminous memoir, a true American icon looks back on his celebrated life and career. His body of work is arguably the most morally significant in cinematic history, and the power and influence of that work are indicative of the character of the man behind the many storied roles. Sidney Poitier here explores these elements of character and personal values to take his own measure-as a man, as a husband and a father, and as an actor. Poitier credits his parents and his childhood on tiny Cat Island in the Bahamas for equipping him with the unflinching sense of right and wrong and of self-worth that he has never surrendered and that have dramatically shaped his world. "In the kind of place where I grew up," recalls Poitier, "what's coming at you is the sound of the sea and the smell of the wind and momma's voice and the voice of your dad and the craziness of your brothers and sisters...and that's it." Without television, radio, and material distractions to obscure what matters most, he could enjoy the simple things, endure the long commitments, and find true meaning in his life. Poitier was uncompromising as he pursued a personal and public life that would honor his upbringing and the invaluable legacy of his parents. Just a few years after his introduction to indoor plumbing and the automobile, Poitier broke racial barrier after racial barrier to launch a pioneering acting career. Committed to the notion that what one does for a living articulates to who one is, Poitier played only forceful and affecting characters who said something positive, useful, and lasting about the human condition. Here is Poitier's own introspective look at what has informed his performances and his life. Poitier explores the nature of sacrifice and commitment, price and humility, rage and forgiveness, and paying the price for artistic integrity. What emerges is a picture of a man in the face of limits-his own and the world's. A triumph of the spirit, The Measure of a Man captures the essential Poitier., "I have no wish to play the pontificating fool, pretending that I've suddenly come up with the answers to all life's questions. Quite that contrary, I began this book as an exploration, an exercise in self-questing. In other words, I wanted to find out, as I looked back at a long and complicated life, with many twists and turns, how well I've done at measuring up to the values I myself have set." --Sidney Poitier In this luminous memoir, a true American icon looks back on his celebrated life and career. His body of work is arguably the most morally significant in cinematic history, and the power and influence of that work are indicative of the character of the man behind the many storied roles. Sidney Poitier here explores these elements of character and personal values to take his own measure--as a man, as a husband and a father, and as an actor. Poitier credits his parents and his childhood on tiny Cat Island in the Bahamas for equipping him with the unflinching sense of right and wrong and of self-worth that he has never surrendered and that have dramatically shaped his world. "In the kind of place where I grew up," recalls Poitier, "what's coming at you is the sound of the sea and the smell of the wind and momma's voice and the voice of your dad and the craziness of your brothers and sisters...and that's it." Without television, radio, and material distractions to obscure what matters most, he could enjoy the simple things, endure the long commitments, and find true meaning in his life. Poitier was uncompromising as he pursued a personal and public life that would honor his upbringing and the invaluable legacy of his parents. Just a few years after his introduction to indoor plumbing and the automobile, Poitier broke racial barrier after racial barrier to launch a pioneering acting career. Committed to the notion that what one does for a living articulates to who one is, Poitier played only forceful and affecting characters who said something positive, useful, and lasting about the human condition. Here is Poitier's own introspective look at what has informed his performances and his life. Poitier explores the nature of sacrifice and commitment, price and humility, rage and forgiveness, and paying the price for artistic integrity. What emerges is a picture of a man in the face of limits--his own and the world's. A triumph of the spirit, The Measure of a Man captures the essential Poitier.

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  • The Measure of a Man--- Well-named and Commendable

    Praiseworthy spiritual guide to responsible manhood! Gripping experiences and examples; natural, strong, compelling language that holds attention. The read-by-author presentation is superb!

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Real life story that makes me proud of what this man made of his life!

    I loved the fact that this was a true story and one I could picture easily in my mind as I read it. Sidney has always been a hero of mine, as far a movie star goes!. Such an excellent actor! In my mind I will always picture him as a very classy gentleman, and while I've only ever seen a few of his movies, would love to see every one of his! He may not have been a perfect human, but then, who is? He certainly had it rough and I admire him for not giving up! I am a 76 y/o RN and on a limited income, but am doing just fine, thanks to my own Mom's teachings! God bless you, Sidney!

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Excellent Book

    Very well written and very interesting. Sidney Poitier was a man of many talents and I would certainly recommend this book.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Good book

    A package for generations.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Autobiography

    Awesome read. I highly recommend this book to anyone.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • The measure of a man

    Gave it to a young father as a gift👍🏾

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned