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The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography
by Sidney Poitier
- Used
- Hardcover
- Signed
- first
- Condition
- Like New
- ISBN 10
- 0062516078
- ISBN 13
- 9780062516077
- Seller
-
Stamford, Connecticut, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Harper San Francisco. hardcover. Like New. 6x1x9. Poitier signed (no inscription, title age) first edition, first printing in brand new condition in like jacket now in mylar. Flier for the signing at NYC Barnes and Noble tucked into the front flap. Please email for photos.
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
On Sep 5 2008, FrankJesko said:
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
- Griffin Books
(US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 113424
- Title
- The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography
- Author
- Sidney Poitier
- Format/Binding
- Hardcover
- Book Condition
- New Like New
- Quantity Available
- 1
- ISBN 10
- 0062516078
- ISBN 13
- 9780062516077
- Publisher
- Harper San Francisco
- Place of Publication
- New York, New York, U.s.a.
- This edition first published
- 2000
- Size
- 6x1x9
- X weight
- 21 oz
Terms of Sale
Griffin Books
Return Policy: All items subject to prior sale. Returns are accepted with prior notification within 10 days of your receipt for items returned in the same condition.
About the Seller
Griffin Books
Biblio member since 2003
Stamford, Connecticut
About Griffin Books
General stock of approximately 12,000 titles with a concentration in non-fiction. The more unsual the better if we can find it. We are always buying libraries and collections in the Greater NYC and CT area including Fairfield, New Haven and Westchester counties.
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