The Measure of a Man: A Memoir - Softcover

Poitier, Sidney

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1847391311 ISBN 13: 9781847391315

Publisher: Pocket Books, 2007

Synopsis

In this beautifully written, candid memoir, legendary actor Sidney Poitier reveals the spiritual depth, passion and intellectual fervour that has driven his remarkable life. Poitier credits his childhood of poverty on idyllic Cat Island in the Bahamas for equipping him with the unflinching sense of self-worth, family values and simple ethics that he has never since surrendered and that have dramatically shaped his world. Just a few years after his introduction to indoor plumbing and the automobile, Poitier broke countless barriers to launch a pioneering career portraying important, dignified characters in some of the most morally significant films of the late 20th century. His engaging memoir spans a time in American history from segregation, through the early Civil Rights conflicts, to present-day cultural struggles. Poitier shares his provocative thoughts on racism in Hollywood, consumerism and the media, illness and mortality, honouring a higher consciousness and paying the price for artistic integrity. This book is a powerful testament to the rewards of being true to one's self, acting passionately on one's convictions and boldly walking on the edge.

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

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

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

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

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

"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

About this edition

• Publisher: Pocket Books
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1847391311
• ISBN 13: 9781847391315
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272