The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography
by Sidney Poitier
- Used
- Condition
- UsedAcceptable
- ISBN 10
- 0062516078
- ISBN 13
- 9780062516077
- Seller
-
Interlochen, Michigan, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Synopsis
"I have no wish to play the pontificating fool, pretending that I've suddenly come up with the answers to all life's questions. Quite that contrary, I began this book as an exploration, an exercise in self-questing. In other words, I wanted to find out, as I looked back at a long and complicated life, with many twists and turns, how well I've done at measuring up to the values I myself have set." —Sidney PoitierIn 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. "In the kind of place where I grew up," recalls Poitier, "what's coming at you is the sound of the sea and the smell of the wind and momma's voice and the voice of your dad and the craziness of your brothers and sisters...and that's it." 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 to 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.
Reviews
Mr. Poitier's auto biography is an eye opener as far as one man's journey through adversity from poverty to racism and strive to become one of the best actors of time. Not only as an African American but a man who had nothing to start with in life either. A great read.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Blue Vase Books LLC (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 31UI5600B3OY_ns
- Title
- The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography
- Author
- Sidney Poitier
- Book Condition
- UsedAcceptable
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Binding
- Hardcover
- ISBN 10
- 0062516078
- ISBN 13
- 9780062516077
- Publisher
- Harper Collins
- Place of Publication
- New York, New York, U.s.a.
- This edition first published
- 2000
Terms of Sale
Blue Vase Books LLC
We will accept returns for any reason within 30 days of original purchase date. Items that are no longer needed or wanted can be returned to us within the 30 day period. Upon receipt and inspection of the item, a refund will be granted.
About the Seller
Blue Vase Books LLC
About Blue Vase Books LLC
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- Edges
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