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  • The Measure of a Man

  • A Spiritual Autobiography
  • By: Sidney Poitier
  • Narrated by: Sidney Poitier
  • Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (26 ratings)

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The Measure of a Man

By: Sidney Poitier
Narrated by: Sidney Poitier
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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)

What listeners say about The Measure of a Man

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truth in simplicity

great men are those who share what they go through for the benefit of others.great book about life

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    5 out of 5 stars

really enjoyed it.

Well written account of growing up in the 50's also self reflection on becoming better.

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An all time great

This was truly an amazing story for an incredibly talented character man who have shaped film industry... it’s been an honour listening to this masterpiece... please get a hard copy for your kids to read one day in future!!

One of my favs books ever!!

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Remarkable person

Loved it, I had always loved Sidney Poitier movies as a child and this Audio book was a tremendous way of getting to know him more. I have a deep respect for him and the person he stands for. I also love the fact that Sidney reads it himself which makes it so special. Recommended Audio book

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