The Measure of a Man: A Memoir - Hardcover

Poitier, Sidney

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0743208684 ISBN 13: 9780743208680

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd, 2000

Synopsis

In this candid memoir, legendary actor Sidney Poitier reveals the spiritual depth, passion and intellectual fervour that has driven his remarkable life. This memoir spans a time in American history from segregation and Civil Rights conflicts to the present day cultural struggles.

About this title

Review:

Sidney Poitier wrote The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography because he "felt called to write about certain values, such as integrity and commitment, faith and forgiveness, about the virtues of simplicity, about the difference between 'amusing ourselves to death' and finding meaningful pleasures--even joy". Yet Poitier's book does not speak from on high; its tone is conversational and endearingly self-critical: Poitier begins the first chapter by recounting an evening spent channel-surfing and wondering, as most of us do at one time or another, "What am I doing with my time?" The spiritual reflections in The Measure of a Man are non-sectarian; Poitier's faith is clearly influenced by his experience in Christian churches, but is not, strictly, Christian. Though idiosyncratic, his faith is disciplined and rigorous, and is informed by leaders as diverse as Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. Poitier's love--for himself, his family and the world--infuses his recollections of his early life on Cat Island in the Bahamas, and his memories of his stage and film career (including his Oscar-winning role in Lilies of the Field). Poitier has been rich and poor; he has been popular and despised; and his extremely varied experiences have made him a wise man, as he demonstrates with statements like this one: "[W]hat we do is stay within the context of what's practical, what's real, what dreams can be fashioned into reality, what values can send us to bed comfortably and make us courageous enough to face our end with character."

Review:

'.. the rumblings of conscience he raises here will prick the memory long after the last page is turned' -- SUNDAY INDEPENDENT (DUBLIN)

'A beautifully written and often humorous book - Poitier's passionate struggle against adversity will be an inspiration for anyone' -- MANCHESTER METRO

'This remarkable book is not your conventional Hollywood biography... a very intimate account of a memorable life. A delight' -- SATURDAY TIMES (GLASGOW)

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0743208684
• ISBN 13: 9780743208680
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272