Customer Reviews

I Love Lucy Book

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Many books have been written on the 'I Love Lucy' series, but this one stands the test of time as the best ever. Originally published about 20 years ago, under the title 'Lucy, Ricky, Fred, and Ethel' it was revamped after the death of Lucille Ball and updated into this volume. Bart Andrews had access to everyone who had anything to do with the series, including Vivian Vance, Desi Arnaz, and Lucille Ball. His research is exhaustive, and the book is richly detailed in behind the scenes looks at the making of the series.

This is not a biography of the people, but the story of the series. There are small biographical sketches of the stars, but here you see how the series came to fruition, and the incredible talent and foresight of Desi Arnaz inventing the three-camera method. You also find out the gossip of who didn't get along, the perfectionism, and the comraderie.

The icing on the cake are detailed descriptions of each and every episode, including air dates, music, and guest stars. Each season is covered in detail. Every 'I Love Lucy' fan should have this on their bookshelves.

This book covers each & every episode of I Love Lucy, ones we've all seen zillions of times but still laugh at whenever we tune in. How well I remember on sick days off from work, I'd just prop myself on the couch with a blanket & mug of tea & tune in about 9am for back to back episodes. Whether watching Lucy take Vitametavegamin, baking a huge loaf of bread, getting locked in the meat freezer or just plain trying to get into showbiz, there's plenty of laughs galore from the funniest woman on TV. This book takes you back to those times & there's plenty of tidbits about guest stars, writers & others who played a part in the show. Highly recommended for all fans of Lucy, Ricky, Fred & Ethel.

I recently bought Bart Andrews revised, and updated version of Lucy, Ricky, Fred & Ethel. The "I Love Lucy" Book is the definitive tome on the history of THE Classic T.V. show of all time. Mr. Andrews inside information and wonderful stories and anecdotes from head writer Jess Oppenheimer, to Lou Jacobi, the janitor, make this book a must read for all "Lucy" fans. I wore out my original copy and had to buy a new one. Thanks Bart for updating. It's a winner. I Love It as much as I Love Lucy.

Robert Howe Scripts360@aol.com

I've been an I Love Lucy lover all my life and, when it comes to my Lucy obsession, this book is my bible. Both the narrative, which describes the genesis, heyday, and denoument of the show, and the individual episode synopses are outstanding. My copy is well-worn. Highly recommended.

This was the first book ever written on the classic I LOVE LUCY series (possibly the first book ever written about a single television series) and it's still the best. I am currently on my second copy of it, my old paperback now replaced by the latest updated version. Stands up beautifully a quarter of a century after it was written. It's not a gossip fest or a academic study, just a straight-forward and detailed look at America's most beloved tv show and certainly it's most gifted television star. Way to go Bart!

"The I Love Lucy Book" has no equal. If you want to make a fan drool with delight (or if you want to keep them quiet for hours at a time), buy them this book. Stuffed with more trivia than I ever thought possible, it is the perfect companion for the devoted Lucy fan. I've read and re-read it, till I know it inside out, yet it's still fun to read. This is one of the most excellent compendiums of television history you'll ever find.

To use the word "definitive" implies that comparisons have been made. Inasmuch as this reviewer has only read a handful of works on the landmark television show, this book in question stands as the one that can be recommended for its detail to the persons responsible for making "I Love Lucy" an institution. The actors, the writers, the stories, the scoring and all other areas that went into the production of this classic show are here. Chopped full of photos and accompanying text, the book should be a part of everyone that has fond memory of the adventures of the Ricardos and the Mertzes. The book even chronicles life for the principals after "Lucy." It is a classy volume for the show that set the stage for all television comedies that succeeded it.

I noticed how, in our PC culture, people go to very long lengths to avoid saying anything that could be construed an insult how now we can't say; 'the good old days', or 'died'. Now it's only 'back in the day' (notice how many times you hear it on the media) and 'passed away'. That, and the past 20 years change of inflection, or 'tone' in our speech.

But, I actually met this guy (author) back 'in the old days' as he was flying to Chicago from LA. He talked a lot about Lucy and said he was writing a book on her. So, I guess he did, even made it his career.

That said, this book is pretty good if your a big Lucy fan. He goes all the way here in detailing the show, and some special backstage things. Recommend you get the book if you are a big fan of the show. And, it certainly passes as history now that everyone on the show has 'passed away'. Hard to believe, but the last on-air show with the I Love Lucy cast entact, was broadcast 50 years ago (April 1, 1960).

I actually give it a 9.5. It had lots of great information. You should get this NOW. Trust me you will like it

I liked this book because it had episodes, behind the scenes, special guest stars, interviews, and tons more info on I Love Lucy. It will really impress a Lucy fan such as me! ------