Measure of a Man: A Memoir

From Auschwitz Survivor to Presidents' Tailor

By: Martin Greenfield, Wynton Hall - contributor

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

He's been called "America's greatest living tailor" and "the most interesting man in the world." Now, for the first time, Holocaust survivor Martin Greenfield tells his whole, incredible life story.

Taken from his Czechoslovakian home at age 15 and transported to the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz with his family, Greenfield came face-to-face with "Angel of Death" Dr. Joseph Mengele and was divided forever from his parents, sisters, and baby brother. In haunting, powerful prose, Greenfield remembers his desperation and fear as a teenager alone in the death camp—and how an impulsive decision to steal an SS soldier's shirt dramatically altered the course of his life. He learned how to sew, and when he began wearing the shirt under his prisoner uniform, he learned that clothes possess great power and could even help save his life.

Measure of a Man is the story of a man who suffered unimaginable horror and emerged with a dream of success. From sweeping floors at a New York clothing factory to founding America's premier handmade suit company, Greenfield built a fashion empire. Now 86 years old and working with his sons, Greenfield has dressed the famous and powerful of Washington, DC and Hollywood, including Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama and celebrities Paul Newman, Martin Scorsese, Leonardo Di Caprio, and Jimmy Fallon.

Written with soul-baring honesty and, at times, a wry sense of humor, Measure of a Man is a memoir unlike any other—one that will inspire hope and renew faith in the resilience of man.

©2014 Martin Greenfield (P)2014 Blackstone Audio

Couldn’t hold back…

…the tears. I’ve always known that most of my Alan Flusser made-to-measure suits and jackets were made over in Brooklyn at Martin Greenfield’s establishment. I’ll now wear them with additional pride and gratitude. I want to learn more about how survivors of such ghastly atrocities go on to live such grateful, graceful, and joyful lives.

Don’t let some of the critical reviews steer you away from this fascinating story

This author immigrated to America as an impoverished Holocaust survivor who barely spoke the language, then rose in his career to become the personal tailor of multiple presidents and celebrities.

Some of the more critical reviewers have noted that the latter portion of the book contains a lot of name-dropping and what sounds like borderline boasting about his brand, and that’s true. But if I’d come as far in life as he has, I’d enjoy telling it all, even if it risked sounding like a brag. Besides, if Martin Greenfield really experienced everything he recounts (and I for one don’t doubt that he did), then maybe telling the tale is not necessarily the same thing as bragging.

The man certainly measures up, if I may allude to the title. To rise from such soul-searing tragedy to the pinnacle of professional success in his adopted country… well, I must say it’s a remarkable tale, and was well worth listening to, even though I personally have little interest in the fashion industry.

You see, I came for the Holocaust survival story, and that part did not disappoint. Sure, it was as bleak as you’d expect, but there were lighter moments, too. It was an amazing account of a man who survived against terrible odds, and I daresay this man’s journey would have made an interesting movie.

Bravo!

Wow! What A Story! What A Book! Told so well even the difficult parts were catching. The indignity of Nazi Germany is surpassed by the humanity and integrity they trampled on.
Martin Greenfield epitomises the hopes, dreams, and spirit of immigrants to America. He goes on to thrive as a form of respect to the memory of those who never made it. Life itself is a tribute. A successful life, a celebration.

A fascinating story

I enjoyed "Measure of a Man: A Memoir" so much that I'm listening to it again (something very rare for me). The story delivers stories that are brutal and uncomfortable to listen to . . . but, also introduces insight and even humor at times that lightens the gravity of portion of the book that takes place during WWII. Martin Greenfield's ability to overcome so many things that would have been considered limitations by many to great to overcome is amazing. To say I was inspired is an understatement.

Absolutely Amazing!

A great story, narrated wonderfully, overall outstanding. I would definitely recommend to all readers/listeners!