The Measure of a Man, Sidney Poitier
2 Rating(s)
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The Measure of a Man

Narrator: Sidney Poitier

Unabridged: 7 hr 33 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Harper Audio

Published: 01/26/2007


Synopsis

In this luminous memoir, a true American icon looks back on his celebrated life and career.  His body of work is arguable 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.  Here, Sidney Poitier explores these elements of character and personal values to take his own measure - as a man, as a husband, and father, and as an actor.Poitier was uncompromising as he pursued a personal and public life that would honor his upbringing and the invaluable legacy of his parents. 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, finally, is Poitier's own introspective look at what has informed his performances and his life. Poitier 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.

Reviews

AudiobooksNow review by Nancy on 2007-04-18 15:32:07

Highly recommended.

AudiobooksNow review by Carla on 2007-10-19 16:21:08

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AudiobooksNow review by Cyndie Browning of Tulsa, OK on 2008-03-25 11:44:17

Sidney Poitier reading his own life story at times, he's so into the story that I'm sure he was telling it rather than reading it. I especially enjoyed the stories he told of his boyhood, and of his experiences on the stage and while making the movies that I remember whenever I think of him. Since he made his movie debut in 1950, the year I was born, I've been renting those movies and watching them and getting to know the young actor who became the older gentleman I've admired all these years. The only problem I had with the book is that after about the 5th CD, I would sometimes find his repetitive way of making a point a little monotonous, but other than that, it was a very enjoyable listen.

AudiobooksNow review by Joanne on 2010-05-19 19:04:12

I ENJOYED HEARING ABOUT SIDNEYS' LIFE AS A CHILD BUT THE REST OF THE BOOK WAS PONDEROUS AT BEST.AS SO MANY OF THESE BIOGRAPHIES OF HOLLYWOOD ACTORS, IT'S MAIN PURPOSE IS TO SHOW HOW WONDERFUL HE IS.HE HAD AFFAIRS AND DIVORCED HIS WIFE.THAT'S FAR FROM PERFECTION IN MY EYES.I COULDN'T FINISH THE BOOK AND THINK LESS OF HIM NOW.

AudiobooksNow review by Susan Dumolt on 2022-01-11 21:25:18

I really enjoyed this book by Sidney Poitier about his life and his work. He told it exactly as he saw it, and it was fascinating to see the world through the eyes of someone who was formed by his childhood on a very poor island before being thrust into America society.