The Measure of a Man

A Spiritual Autobiography

By: Sidney Poitier

Narrated by: Sidney Poitier

Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Grammy Award Winner, Best Spoken Word Album, 2000

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. 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 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.

Actor and icon: listen to more about Sidney Poitier. Or check out more selections from Oprah's Book Club.

©2000 Sidney Poitier (P)2000 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

• Oprah's Book Club Selection
• Audio Publishers Association 2001 Award Winner, Nonfiction, Unabridged
• Grammy Winner, Best Spoken Word Album, 2001

"Moving...Poitier writes with vivid emotion about [past] clashes and brings them blazingly alive." (The New York Times Book Review)

Enjoyable listen!

Enjoyed the cadence of Mr. Poitier's wonderful voice and his analysis of the mystery of his life and for that matter all of life.

Excellent

I read this book some years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. In this audio rendition, Mr. Poitier does an excellent narration. It's as if you & he are in a cozy study in comfortable chairs and he's telling you about his thoughts on life along with some of his own life experiences.

To Sir with Love from the Bahamas

As a native of Sir Poitier’s home country - The Bahamas, I’ve listened to the audio version with a strong sense of pride and inspiration. Sir Sidney lived a remarkable life filled with impact on many he met.

I learned a whole lot about the core motivating drivers for the great man that he was, and his meaningful decisions along his life’s journey. Whilst I don’t particularly prescribe to Sir Sidney’s religious views, I do wholly respect him, and I respect his regard for the sanity of life and choosing the good.

Sir Sidney: well done on a remarkable life and a wonderful telling of your story.

To Sir with Love from the Bahamas

good reading

I enjoyed it very much I like when the writer narrates the book thank you

Beautifully Written

Great read! Sidney Poitier's voice is like music. What an incredible tale of survival and success. The Measure of a Man is a total success story. I loved it!

Life

This book gives one an feeling of a life well lived. It paints very vivid pictures of Mr Poitier. From child hood to elder life was spoke of in great detail. I could not stop listening once I started.

Great Job and RIP to king Sidney Poitier

A remarkable and engaging story!

What an amazing opportunity to hear the story of this great man's life in his very own voice! Recommended to all Sidney Poitier fans!!

Things I Never Knew About Poitier

Would you listen to The Measure of a Man again? Why?

I don't generally listen to things more than once. There is too much to learn in the world.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Poitier as a child was fascinating. What different people we might all be if all of us grew up not knowing what others had. The concept of contentment because there is no knowledge that there is more was something to think about. Rather than 5 year olds demanding designer jeans, how about a childhood where if you are hungry, you go fishing or gather fruit. Nobody has"things" so the avaricious tendencies of our society are tempered. Poitier recognizes the value of an extremely simple childhood. What a boon if more children could grow up this way.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

How much do we REALLY need?

Intriguing

Very good book about life, struggles, successes, failures. An eye opening account of what it’s like to have gone through some challenging times in America.

A Must listen

If you are remotely interested in Mr. Poitier, this is a must listen. What a gem.