Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography by Sidney Poitier (English) Paperbac

Description: Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier "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 Poitier 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 tman 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 unbringing 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 sacrifices and committment, 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. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description "I have no wish to play the pontificating fool, pretending that Ive suddenly come up with the answers to all lifes 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 Ive 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, "whats coming at you is the sound of the sea and the smell of the wind and mommas voice and the voice of your dad and the craziness of your brothers and sisters...and thats 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 Poitiers 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 worlds. A triumph of the spirit, The Measure of a Man captures the essential Poitier. Author Biography Sidney Poitier was the first black actor to win the Academy Award for best actor for his outstanding performance in Lilies of the Field in 1963. His landmark films include The Defiant Ones, A Patch of Blue, Guess Whos Coming to Dinner, and To Sir, With Love. He has starred in over forty films, directed nine, and written four. He is the author of two autobiographies: This Life and the "Oprahs Book Club" pick and New York Times bestseller The Measure of a Man. Among many other accolades, Poitier has been awarded the Screen Actors Guilds highest honor, the Life Achievement Award, for an outstanding career and humanitarian accomplishment. He is married, has six daughters, four grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Review "With the unwavering sense of dignity and worth . . .this mans authenticity is earned by the life he describes." -- Los Angeles TimesReading The Measure of a Man is somewhat akin to having a worthwhile conversation with a revered older relative; he doesnt always tell you what you want to hear, but you appreciate it just the same. -- Washington PostAn affecting new memoir. -- Dallas Morning NewsIn this powerful book, [Poitier] shares his touchsotnes with us and makes us question what foundations guide our own lives. -- EbonyRevealing . . . Poitier invites us to re-examine his work and, through it, our history. -- New York Times MagazineCandid memoirs from teh actor who has starred in more than forty movies, directed nine, and written four. -- USA TodayReflective, generous, humane . . . moving . . .[Poitier] writes with vivid emotion. -- New York Times Book ReviewHaving 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 Review Quote "With the unwavering sense of dignity and worth . . .this mans 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 doesnt always tell you what you want to hear, but you appreciate it just the same. -- Washington Post An affecting new memoir. -- Dallas Morning News In this powerful book, [Poitier] shares his touchsotnes with us and makes us question what foundations guide our own lives. -- Ebony Revealing . . . Poitier invites us to re-examine his work and, through it, our history. -- New York Times Magazine Candid memoirs from teh actor who has starred in more than forty movies, directed nine, and written four. -- USA Today 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 Author Comments "I have no wish to play the pontificating fool, pretending that Ive suddenly come up with the answers to all lifes 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 Ive done at measuring up to the values I myself have set."--Sidney Poitier Details ISBN0061357901 Author Sidney Poitier Language English ISBN-10 0061357901 ISBN-13 9780061357909 Media Book Format Paperback Year 2007 Imprint HarperCollins Publishers Ltd Place of Publication London Country of Publication United Kingdom Alternative 9780061355431 Short Title MEASURE OF A MAN Residence US Series Oprahs Book Club (Audio) Subtitle A Spiritual Autobiography DOI 10.1604/9780061357909 AU Release Date 2007-02-01 NZ Release Date 2007-02-01 UK Release Date 2007-02-01 Pages 272 Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Publication Date 2007-02-01 DEWEY 791.43028092 Illustrations Illustrations Audience General Imprint US HarperOne Publisher US HarperCollins We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. 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