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)

Great Book from a wonderful performer.

A treat to listen to, wonderfully recorded and great insight into a very interesting man.

Loved how somehow I related to his story

This book gave me chills. There was a point where I saw my life in his story despite how young and far away from his world I am but I related. I loved it and the fact that Sidney narrated the story did more justice to the audio book. The story is as raw as it naturally happened. Thank you Sidney!!!

Amazing book

This is a very very good book with alot of wisdom in it. I highly recommend it.

Mr Portier's view is brilliant

There is so much to learn from Mr. Portier's life. We can all learn from one another, but some of the things that he spoke of in his book...are profound and apply to everyone, and every life.

Inspiration

I was in tears.
I was in awe.
I laughed.
I gasped.
I thought of my life.
I thought of my father.
I loved everything there is to love about this book.

Good book on an admired actor

I remember as a kid thinking that the movie "To Sir with Love" was a great movie. This book was a short review of his life and a great reflection on his childhood and his parents. I am not much of a movie buff and generally do not even know actors names, however, Sidney Poitier has always drawn some admiration. I would recommend this book for anyone that is a fan or anyone looking for a good short read to reflect on a "simpler" time.

A

Honest and wise with a touch of humor, Poiter's memoir is engaging. I wanted to know more about Poiter the person aside from his career. Born in the 70's, Poiter's story motivates me check out his work to better understand his insights. Overall I would recommend it.

A Life That Matters

What a profound conformation of what’s going on in this nation and all over the world right now in 2020. Those stings of racism that existed in his early life and throughout are still with us today. LORD have Mercy when will man ever not judge by the color of skin but by the content of ones character. Sidney Poitier, a masterfully talented artist and richly blessed human being. Thank you for all you’ve contributed to human life, human “kind.” 22 June 20

HEAR you GO!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This takes audio books to a new high for me. The full measure of a man in his own words! Unequaled and Superb. If you only had one audio book in your library this would be that book. That Good!

What did you like best about this story?

The author takes you into his mind and values on a solid gold adventure in reality. We may not all measure up though we may have the nerve to stand and cheer when it's been done with such integrity and honesty.

Which scene was your favorite?

Don't be small it was all good!

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

That's the thing! The film has been made this is THE STORY! that is woven between them.

Any additional comments?

Wow. I had no Idea I could be so Angry I couldn't loan it to a friend!

Extremely Captivating !

Great book! Very engaging and informative! This is a must read , I highly recommend it!