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I Love Lucy: The Complete Picture History of the Most Popular TV Show Ever, Authorized by Th E Lucille Ball Estate

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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.

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1995

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Michael McClay

4 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Martha A.  Galvan.
32 reviews8 followers
August 1, 2014
I Love Lucy. I am serious, I do just Love Lucy. The into is written by Lucie Arnez. So that says something. It is not a rag, gossip book. It is the truth on how the show came to be.
It is amazing how smart and above his time Desi Arnez was. The type of filming he developed, was not thought of in that time.
Filming in front of a live audience. Another idea developed by Desi, and the 1st episode cost 20,000 to make!! Lucy and Desi took a pay cut, and he said for them to own the rights to the show. At that time, CBS did not know why would anyone want to own the show. Another smart deal by Desi.

As I read the episodes, enjoined the photos of each timeless scene, I was laughing as if I were watching it on TV.

All was missing is the sound of Desi's laugh, seeing Lucy getting herself in a jam, and finding a way out.

Good reading, and you are guaranteed to laugh and your childhood memories will rush to you!!

The I Love Lucy show is part of our lives. And no one can take that way.
Profile Image for Carol.
400 reviews10 followers
June 11, 2019
I love Lucy books! It was started by Lucy and her publicist but they both passed away before it was finished. His son, Michael, and Lucie Arnaz finished their parent’s work which was to be gift to the fans of the show.
The fist section of the book tells the life stories of Lucy and Desi. The second includes detailed synopsis of the top episodes as well as stills from the shows.
There are beautiful, coloured, original photographs throughout.
My only complaint is that I had ‘spected more “behind the scenes” tales for the episodes as a preamble before having the pleasure of rewatching them.
Still, I always enjoy spending time with this talented couple.
Profile Image for Connie Curtis.
521 reviews6 followers
December 6, 2022
Excellent book for "I Love Lucy" lovers or anyone interested in the production of the show. Lots of pictures and stories about many of the episodes.

Desi was a genius in business, pure and simple. He didn't get the credit for his acting on the show either, as all three of the other cast members received Emmys and Desi never did.

I'm reading everything I can on Lucy, Desi, Vivian, and Bill. They were fascinating, talented people. It's a shame Bill and Vivian never got along. It's also a shame Lucy and Desi couldn't keep their marriage together even though they loved each other deeply.

Enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Joanie.
148 reviews
June 29, 2025
I really haven’t seen, much less read this book in 25 years! I recently found it while cleaning out the garage!

It was wonderful to sit down and reads this and look through it, bringing back so many wonderful memories for me enjoying it as a kid.
Profile Image for Ariadna Arredondo.
82 reviews3 followers
November 16, 2021
A childhood favorite about one of my childhood favorites. The real deal when it comes to behind the scenes and all the fun of I love Lucy. Written by her kids too. A great re-read.
2 reviews
January 15, 2025
Loved this book. Love all the pictures from not only famous scenes but also from behold the scenes and Lucille balls personal life. Very informational, but an easy read!
Profile Image for Marissa.
45 reviews
December 12, 2009
This book gave a lot of information and I liked how it told you the backgrounds of both Lucy and Desi, how they met, and how they came about creating the "I Love Lucy" tv show. There were a few swear words in the book and I don't understand why they had to put them in there! It obvious while I was reading the book that Lucy and Desi had an incredible relationship and I'm sad that they didn't keep that relationship for the rest of their lives. I really enjoyed the section that told you the 4 or 5 most favored episodes of each season. Overall this book was very good (aside from the swear words), Lucy and Desi were both remarkable and excellent actors and charming people and this book said that very loudly!
Profile Image for Gabrielle.
880 reviews26 followers
September 14, 2016
This book has so much information about Lucy and the show I found it to be overwhelming in a good way. The book touches on everything that anyone would want to know about the life of the famous couple. I found the book to be very useful, entertaining and incredible.
Profile Image for Megan.
12 reviews
July 2, 2008
i love this show!!!! it is Hilar!!!!!
i havent read the book! but the show is awsome!!!
Profile Image for Sarah.
53 reviews6 followers
Want to read
April 13, 2009
Looks pretty good, can't wait to read it and don't know why I haven't. A lot of pictures and information.
Profile Image for Rylie Forbes.
5 reviews2 followers
Want to read
March 31, 2012
I LOVE "I LOVE LUCY"! ITZ SUCH A GOOD SHOW!!!!ITZ VERY VERY FUNNY!!!!NOW I JUT NEED 2 READ THE BOOK!!
97 reviews
October 7, 2013
A great assortment of photos, this is a nice coffee table book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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