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)

bravo!!!

Poitier tells his story with humor, humility and wisdom. I am not usually interested in the life of celebrities but maybe I should be. The topics he covers are all over the place and he can make listening to anything worthwhile. His personal experiences coming to the U.S. before the civil rights movement, his selectiveness about the roles he would play and his insights into the films and plays he starred in are so interesting. I want to rent his movies and think about his comments. I liked his thoughts on parenting and belonging. Great audio. He should write more and this should be listened to, not read.

Ah, that voice

Engagingly read by Sidney Poitier himself. Poitier relates some of the extraordinary events that led him from poverty to Hollywood, reflecting on racism, the art of acting, and the well-lived life. At times digressive and a bit indulgent in his confessions and self-evaluations. Nonetheless, this is a life to know. Poitier's effort to bring his own racial consciousness to his acting and career choices is most inspiring. An excellent slice of Hollywood history as well.

Good Listen!

I think he did very well at critiquing his life, owning his failures and successes. It was good for me to read his rise through that time of racial tensions and be able to glimpse where we should be today.

Phenomenal

What a life! What an account of it! I have no words to convey how extraordinary this book/performance is. Just get it and let him take you with him on an unexpected, riveting, inspiring journey..... enough said.

Intriguing history of a great actor

First, his voice is amazing! The tell of his youth and the struggles to build him into the man he became is amazing. As others stated, it seemed he rambled on and on diminishing the value of the point. There were times when I kept checking how much was left of the book. Overall, the book is very good and I rated it 4 stars but if 3.5 were available that is my selection. I wanted to learn about a man who had tremendous impact on the culture and history of this nation which is why I listened to the book. Additionally, it was recommended as a must listen. I wouldn't say it is a must listen but it is worth listening to at least once. I wouldn't listen to it a second time and would recommend it as a listen for those who enjoy learning about successful people who paved the path in history.

Wow...What a Story

This was a real treat writen and read by Mr. Poitier. So much wisdom!

I LOVE this book!

Sidney Poitier is brilliant, I was absolutely captivated by his life and I love that his beautiful way of speaking still comes across like you are listening to a friend. I’ve listened to it twice and still it had magic for me.

Incredible Perspective from an Interesting Icon!!!

You will love it...so uplifting and honest. From a humble beginning to Academy Awards this is a coming of age story like no other...a true perspective of a life well lived...a must listen to!!!

To Sir With Love Indeed

If Sydney's aim was to 'tell it like it is' then he achieved that in spades. His writing and narration was as if he was telling me how it is as if I were his own son, full of heart, bite, and organic cursing.

Stand out

If you could sum up The Measure of a Man in three words, what would they be?

Wisdom

What did you like best about this story?

The Transition from poor to rich and how you never get away from being poor.