The Measure of a Man: a Spiritual Autobiography - Softcover

Poitier, Sidney

Softcover

ISBN 10: 006019717X ISBN 13: 9780060197179

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2000

Synopsis

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. In The Measure of a Man, Sidney Poitier 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.

He explores the nature of sacrifice and commitment, pride and humility, rage and forgiveness, and paying the price for artistic integrity. What emerges is a picture of a man seeking truth, passion, and balance 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.

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

An affecting new memoir. -- Dallas Morning News

Candid memoirs from teh actor who has starred in more than forty movies, directed nine, and written four.--USA Today

An affecting new memoir.--Dallas Morning News

In this powerful book, [Poitier] shares his touchsotnes with us and makes us question what foundations guide our own lives.--Ebony

Having already penned a book about his professsional life, legendary actor Sidney Poitier tackles a greater subject--life itself--with this new spiritual autobiography.--American Way

Reflective, generous, humane . . . moving . . .[Poitier] writes with vivid emotion.--New York Times Book Review

Revealing . . . Poitier invites us to re-examine his work and, through it, our history.--New York Times Magazine

"With the unwavering sense of dignity and worth . . .this man's authenticity is earned by the life he describes."--Los Angeles Times

With the unwavering sense of dignity and worth . . .this man s authenticity is earned by the life he describes. --Los Angeles Times"

Reading The Measure of a Man is somewhat akin to having a worthwhile conversation with a revered older relative; he doesn't always tell you what you want to hear, but you appreciate it just the same.--Washington Post

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 006019717X
• ISBN 13: 9780060197179
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 331