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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.
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)
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What listeners say about The Measure of a Man
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
- Nancy
- 05-04-07
Slow and a good sedative!
I was interested in the book as Oprah had raved about it, I like to listen to them in the car, but not this one as his voice would put me to sleep. Towards the middle end of the book, his recounts of the movie era are interesting but I would say it was disappointing.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
- Kindle Customer
- 09-03-07
zzzzzzzzzzz
A boring and pretentious book. The saving grace is that it is read by Sidney Poitier himself. Any other narrator and I probably would have switched it off. If I had had to read it, I would have given up long before the end. Buy something else.
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3 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
- 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
- Amazon Customer
- 29-01-23
an incredible audiobook
The depth of his vocabulary is very impressive, one of the best audiobook I have read
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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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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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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 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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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Bajan queen
- 18-05-21
Thought provoking.
A great read for young men & as a father figure for black men. Thoughtful & inspirational whilst painting his journey & personal & professional growth.
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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
- Mrs. C. A. Real
- 02-03-21
The measure of a man
This was a wonderful book - superbly narrated by Sidney Poitier. I have listened to it more than once as there was so much wisdom in it - I will probably listen to it again from time to time - each time I appreciate the content more and more. It has also inspired me to watch Sidney Poitier films again.
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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
- Amazon Customer
- 09-12-20
Fantastic
Loved it from his roots to america his words his reflection awesome narration, thank you
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