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The Measure of a Man
- A Spiritual Autobiography
- Narrated by: Sidney Poitier
- Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
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The Measure of a Man
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Summary
Grammy Award Winner, Best Spoken Word Album, 2000
An Oprah Winfrey Book Club selection.
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.
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Critic reviews
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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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- beverley willis
- 21-04-18
Person Making.
Person Making This book has all ingredients of Persons-Makings. The Measure of a good person.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jackie
- 25-02-22
very captive memoir!
Enjoyed every moment. some very touching and striking home of truths one faces as age and expert moves on. I heard what he is saying from my own genealogy.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tasha Green
- 24-08-16
A masterclass in compelling narration! Brilliant!
A great book from one of the most respected actors of all time. A truly gifted storyteller.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mich
- 18-03-15
Captivating and insightful
This was a very exciting audio book. I was held by Mr Poitier's voice and transported to the scene of wherever he spoke about. There were a lot of insightful life lessons worthy of great consideration and application. I am grateful for Mr Poitier's honesty and ability to share his story; making it accessible to all. This is a timeless classic and one I will be returning to again and again.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr Gibbo
- 23-01-22
A must
Quite possibly the best, most important memoir and philosophy piece on life I have read.
Whether you have seen some of his acting or not, here's the story of a man who was determined to show the world he was worth more than their measure of him.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Caroline Swatton
- 20-06-18
Love this book
I have to admit I listen on 1.5 speed and consequently found the voice perfect. I loved hearing the life stories of an actor I’ve always admired and enjoyed watching. He led the way for so many others and I found his book fascinating. Loved it!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Kindle Customer
- 16-03-19
The Measure of a Man
Sidney Poirier is an excellent Narrator . He captures your imagination, and provides great listening.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Patrick Oduguwa
- 22-09-17
The journey of life
A deep journey through the life of a formidable character. it spells out the ups and downs we have gone through and will go through in life. Not forgetting the blessing and fun time that forms part of our journey of life. I love this material.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 08-08-18
great listening pleasure
a must read by every forward looking humble and unassuming individual. great book to keep
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Sharon
- 17-01-22
Outstanding
A wonderful listen. Exactly what you would expect from the wonderful, regal, talented, grounded Sidney Poitier. I listened to this in two sittings. We're so lucky to have his books and films to continue to inspire us and bring us comfort. Do listen.
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