The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography - Couverture rigide

Poitier, Sidney

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0062516078 ISBN 13 : 9780062516077

Editeur : HarperOne, 2000

Synopsis

Book by Poitier Sidney

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

"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 the contrary, I began this book as an exploration, an exercise in selfquestioning. 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."

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 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 selfworth 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 who one is, Poitier played only forceful and affecting characters who said something positive, useful, and lasting about the human condition.

Here, finally, is Poitier's own introspective look at what has informed his performances and his life. Poitier explores the nature of sacrifice and commitment, pride and humility, rage and forgiveness, and paying the price for artistic integrity, What emerges is a picture of a man seeking truth, passion, and balance 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.

Revue de presse

UK QUOTES
'Since David Niven re-defined movie memoir as polished entertainment, few stars have dared buck the trend. Poitier succeeds memorably; the rumblings of conscience he raises here will prick the memory long after the last page is turned'
SUNDAY INDEPENDENT (DUBLIN)
'This remarkable book is not your conventional Hollywood biography. It is rather a memoir, a recollection, by an American icon of some of the key moments of his life ... Poitier's conversational tone makes this a very intimate account ofa memorable life. A delight'
SATURDAY TIMES (GLASGOW)
'THE MEASURE OF A MAN isn't an anecdotal trawl through the film world; it's an opportunity for a morally aware individual to question himself and society ... There is wisdom aplenty, because despite the racism he faced throughout his life, Poitier never channelled his anger into destructive force. His human dignity rests on every page'
TOTAL FILM
'Poitier's book is a fascinating read, as it offers much more than a glimpse of a man's life - you get a look at his soul ... Poitier's chosen title for the book is incredibly fitting. Reading it you can almost hear him speak, measuring the weight and impact of his words'
PRIDE
'Fascinating ... this is a complex investigation of a complicated life. No punches are pulled and, at the end, I felt I knew the man. I couldn't ask for more'
ABERDEEN PRESS AND JOURNAL
'A beautifully written and often humorous book - Poitier's passionate struggle against adversity will be an inspiration for anyone'
MANCHESTER METRO
'This beautifully written book is worlds away from most other showbiz memoirs'
EVENING STAR
'The modesty, the frankness and the bold statements of the human values he holds closest to him, can only increase our admiration of an actor who's talents changed the concepts of a powerful industry'
WESTERN MAIL
US QUOTES
'Poitier's book is an attempt to re-examine the courage of his still-riveting characters'
BOSTON HERALD
'This book is a personal history, trying to give contours to a full life in which Hollywood played only a part, albeit a major one. Unlike many stars, Poitier is able to discuss thoughtfully the values of his film work'
BOSTON GLOBE
'The dignified and elegant Poitier has a surprising side: the rollicking raconteur'
USA TODAY

À propos de cette édition

• Éditeur: HarperOne
• Date d'édition: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0062516078
• ISBN 13: 9780062516077
• Reliure: Relié
• Numéro d'édition: 1
• Nombre de pages: 272