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)

Handy

Very good work. Truly a spiritual journey and not a soap opera type biography. Great work. Highly recommend to all.

Beyond Wonderful!

I absolutely loved this book. I have seen many of Mr. Poitiers movies. They were all wonderful and very well written. His acting was beyond great and he would draw you into the movie and you didn't want it to end. I knew nothing of his personal life or his early years growing up. it was fascinating to learn about this amazing actor's beginnings. I would highly recommend this book. it was excellent!

Mr. Poitier

Mr. Poitier is someone I've always admired. This incredible story, his story, is beautifully written and read by the author. It's a wonderful "listen".

Gripping performance and insight

I have actually never seen his movies, I was just looking for a biography to listen to while working on a project. The sample instantly hooked me with his voice and introspection. I was moved to tears multiple times during this reading. I am so happy I encountered it.

Interesting

Story was very interesting and informative. Always loved Sidney in all his movies but did not know a lot about the person. Glad to have read this book.

The Man with the Voice

I could have listened endlessly to Sidney Poitier’s narration of his life. As someone who has grown up watching his movies, I was intrigued to hear his thoughts about how he envisioned playing the characters while staying true to himself and his values. It was a fascinating account of his triumphs as well as struggles, and told in such a way as to draw the listener intimately into his world. If you are a fan of his work, you will most certainly find “The Measure of a Man” to be just as captivating.

Inspiring and right on time

I would listen to anything narrated by Sydney to hear his own story was truly a gift.

Exceptional, Informative, and Inspiring

Great read. Highly recommend. I learned so much about his life story and character. A true pioneer with an amazing story!

Very enjoyable.

Loved this book. I enjoyed hearing about his upbringing and the realness of the reality he faced. I enjoyed the descriptions and behaviors of his parents. He gave me thoughts on how to view my life and moving forward to accomplish my goals and interests.

Charming

Told mellifluously, without self pity, is a life from Cat Island in the Bahamas to being screen royalty in Hollywood without losing Soul, inner Beauty, or Cultural self imagery that destroyed his inner self.