I Love Lucy: The Complete Picture History of the Most Popular TV Show Ever [Paperback]

Michael McClay (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1998

Now, for Lucy fans everywhere, comes a long-awaited tribute to the most popular series in television history. Created by a real insider who, as the son of Desilu's publicity director, literally grew up on the "I Love Lucy" lot, this is the only book of its kind authorized by the Lucille Ball estate. The only book with an introduction by Lucie Arnaz, the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The only book that's a complete pictorial history of every Lucy episode. The only book to draw from dozens of exclusive interviews with the show's stars and creators, featuring over 1,000 photographs, many never before published and in full color.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Lucy, you got some splainin' to do!" Fans of comedic genius Lucille Ball and mambo king Desi Arnaz won't want to miss I Love Lucy, the complete compendium to one of the most popular TV shows in history. Beginning with an introduction by their daughter, Lucie Arnaz, the text follows a thorough chronological outline of her parents' careers. Almost overwhelming in detail, the book contains synopses of the show's six seasons and 179 episodes, as well as telling tidbits about cast members, family, and friends. For example, the show helped heal Vivian Vance: "When she accepted the role of Ethel Mertz, she would later admit that, along with her continuing analysis, [the show] was what had provided her with the glue she needed to keep her alive and her mental health intact." More than just a collection of '50s factoids, I Love Lucy is an insightful, loving tribute to one of the most loved duos in broadcasting history. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A definitive array of images that cumulatively confirms Lucy's unsurpassed agility and grace." -- -People

"Michael McClay captures the comic genius of this great lady." -- -Bob Hope

"Revelatory...never less than epic.... Embrace this guide." -- -Entertainment Weekly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Warner Books; Reprint edition (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446674206
• ISBN-13: 978-0446674201
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,388,033 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, August 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: I Love Lucy: The Complete Picture History of the Most Popular TV Show Ever (Hardcover)

This book was wonderful! It has a LOT of pictures. I learned about all of the stars(Lucille Ball, Desi Arnez, Vivian Vance, William Frawley). For example: Vivian Vance and William Frawley didn't like eachother. They hardly said anything to each other on the set. I didn't know that! But at the end it has all the episodes. And it has a wonderful selection of pictures! PLEASE get this book. If you're a fan of Lucy you'll love this!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential reference for any lover of Lucy., July 26, 1998

By 

Frank Dunnigan (Santa Rosa, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I Love Lucy: The Complete Picture History of the Most Popular TV Show Ever (Hardcover)

I received this book as a Christmas gift in 1996, and I go back to it again and again. McClay was an insider in the I LOVE LUCY family, the son of Lucille Ball's long-time publicist. The thoroughly written and illustrated volume was prepared in cooperation with Lucille Ball's family, and carries an introduction by her daughter Lucie Arnaz. I thought that I had seen and read all there was about my favorite 1950s TV program, but this book contains many new photos, from both on and off the sets, including several original color photos of the family at home. McClay's narrative contains many interesting anecdotes about the cast. The summaries of every single plot are well-written, and accompanied by numerous photos. See if your favorite episodes are contained in The Classic 35 Episodes (I'm glad that McClay did not limit it to something like 10 or 25--remember that there were 179 shows altogether!) Also included is a summary of the 13 hour-long Lucy-Desi Comedy Hours ! programs. A must-have for any Lucy fan!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pictures,Pictures,and more Pictures, December 12, 2000

By 

Christy L. Hunter (Newbern, Tn. United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Love Lucy: The Complete Picture History of the Most Popular TV Show Ever (Hardcover)

I am a huge Lucy and Desi fan and I have purchased many books and this has the best picture history of both.There is a very touching introduction by their daughter Lucie Arnaz.Believe me I have searched far and wide for classic pictures from their famous tv show "I Love Lucy," and their private life pictures,and this one comes through! If you never buy another book about the most loved couple of all times,buy this one.You will forever cherish it.I know I will! ....