Customer Reviews

Lucy A to Z: An Encyclopedic Biography of Lucille Ball

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4 star:		(1)
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Lucille Ball fans (and who out there isn't one?), rejoice! There's a new book out celebrating the life of the world's most popular comedienne, and in a format I've never seen before: Here's "Lucy A to Z." The year 2001 is the fiftieth anniversary of the premiere of "I Love Lucy," the world's most popular sitcom. But what more can be said about Lucille Ball's career? Actually, according to this book, quite a lot! The author has found a unique perspective, a format that differs from other Lucille Ball biographies that I've read, and one that encompasses both facts about Ball's life and the author's personal opinions. The one thing we Lucy fans have in common is a thirst for knowledge about Lucille Ball. The author has created an "encyclopedia" to satisfy that thirst. "Lucy A to Z" covers all aspects of Lucy's unique Hollywood career: she moved from model to showgirl to movie bit-player to supporting actress to Queen of the 'B' pictures, to radio star, television legend, studio head, and beloved American icon. Arranged alphabetically are entries covering the major aspects of Ball's life, her co-stars and her career. The "encyclopedia" format of "Lucy A to Z" makes it easy for you to speed to the topic(s) in which you're most interested. You may disagree with some of the author's opinions, but I always found them interesting. "Lucy A to Z" is a treasure of interesting facts, some minutiae, Lucy lists (of her TV Guide and other magazine covers, for example), a bit of biography here and there, even some haiku (Prepare yourself!). But ultimately "Lucy A to Z" celebrates Lucille Ball's real legacy: the gift of laughter. Highly recommended.

This book was recommended to me by a friend and I couldn't put it down. I loved the format, the authors perspective and views were interesting and unique and you could tell he was a real Lucy fan (who isn't). Add this book to your cart and you won't be disappointed. You can read it again and again because of the unique way it is written. A must for Lucy fans. Enjoy!

I enjoyed this book and was very informed by it. I doubt you can find more detailed background data about Lucille Ball's work (from the beginning of her career to the end, from stage to the big and small screens) and her (lesser known) co-stars and co-workers anywhere else. The problem is, I'm a new fan to Lucy and I wanted to read about her life in a more conventional way (where she was born, raised, her influences, her marriage, children, etc). Those types of books got such mixed reviews from fans that I thought I'd start with this one, which had only positive reviews. There is some basic bio in this book, but it assumes you know that type of information about Lucy. So I would just say: make sure you don't start with this book if you're a new fan. It's like getting to know her backwards (everyone around her instead of the star herself). This is definitely a book for seasoned fans who want to know "more."

Great format, easy to read. Every coffee table must have one!!

A thoroughly enjoyable read on Lucy. Learned some things I never knew - and loved that way you could navigate from one section to another.

One doesn't normally read an "encyclopedia" from cover to cover like others kinds of books, but you will find it hard to put Lucy A to Z down once you start. The brief but informative discussions of everything from Lucy characters and guest stars to details about her personal life are written in a fun and witty style. It makes you wish there was a book like this about every major television sitcom. Need trivia material? There's no better source of Lucy stumpers than Lucy A to Z.

Major exhibition on her life premiers at Orance Co.,(CA) fairgrounds, Milwaukee's Summerfest,then .. onto national routing This title should be carried along when you visit site.See also her hometown annual festival at Lucy Museum,Jamestown,NY.

What a wonderful new book for a Lucy lover (and everyone loves Lucy!) It is written in a very unique way and the new tidbits that the author knows shows that he is truly a Lucy lover and has been for a long time. I especially like his sense of humor and who he dedicated the book to. A definite read. I loved it and will read it again and again.

What a wonderful new book for a Lucy lover (and everyone loves Lucy!) It is written in a very unique way and the new tidbits that the author knows shows that he is truly a Lucy lover and has been for a long time. I especially like his sense of humor and who he dedicated the book to. A definite read. I loved it and will read it again and again.