Lucy A To Z
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Overview
Since iUniverse published the first edition of Lucy A to Z in 2001, a lot has happened. Lucy A to Z has found acceptance in the hearts of Lucy fans everywhere, from The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz in Jamestown, N.Y. to all corners of the globe, thanks to the Internet. The author has been privileged to be welcomed into the Lucy community, and honored to meet Lucie Arnaz, actress Doris Singleton, Lucy's personal secretary, Wanda Clark, and her chauffeur, Frank Gorey, I Love Lucy's original film editor, Dann Cahn, and main director, William Asher, and so many others, who knew Lucy and/or worked with her...not to mention the fans, who are delightful. That's because all are tied together through love of Lucy and her co-stars.During 2001, after the publication of the first edition, Karol heard from fans who asked if the “next edition” could include more information on Lucy’s co-stars. A trip to the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and a look at the files on Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance convinced Karol there was much more information out there to be reported. A Third Edition followed, published in late 2003. Karol was fascinated by what the press and studios wrote about their stars, and how it filtered down to the public. He knew other fans would be interested, too, so many of the new entries came from publicity generated during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Karol’s late friend and fellow author, Craig Hamrick, convinced him in 2006 to explore the idea of a Fourth Edition. Hamrick suggested reviewing all the information Karol had gathered since the publication of the Third Edition. When the author realized he had enough new material for another small book, he decided to go ahead with a fourth edition, and this time add pictures.
The book has been totally redesigned to make it easier to read and find information. There are more than 50 new entries, and every original entry has been re-edited and, in many cases, changed or added to. There are 50 pictures, many of them exclusives, and many not seen for years (including the cover shot, a gorgeous Technicolor-like masterpiece by Harry Warnecke that is in the National Portrait Gallery).
Even with all the changes and additions, the spirit of the fourth edition of Lucy A to Z: The Lucille Ball Encyclopedia remains the same: a celebration of all things Lucy, especially a look at how and why she brought (and continues to bring) so much needed laughter into the world, and what she has meant to several different generations...all arranged alphabetically. Now with pictures! Enjoy.
Synopsis
A unique encyclopedia dedicated to the life and career of Lucille Ball, the most beloved comedienne of all time. If you think you know everything about Lucy, think again!
Classic Images, September 2004: - Laura Wagner
A personalized encyclopedia can be found in the substantial, and very important Lucy A to Z: The Lucille Ball Encyclopedia, Third Edition, by Lucy expert Michael Karol.
This is quite simply THE volume to get if you're a Lucy fan. Don't even hesitate. No photos, but packed with incredible tidbits about not only Lucille Ball, but also Desi Arnaz, William Frawley and Vivian Vance. Entries include ones on co-stars; writers, directors, books devoted to or featuring Lucy; films (with comments, reviews, trivia, etc.); stage info (for Lucy and Vance); TV shows; a list of magazine covers (with details - her numerous appearances on TV Guide have a separate listing); tributes; a list of ads Lucy appeared in; U.S. Postage stamps; quotes about a variety of subjects (even one abouther favorite food); her FBI file; a fascinating write-up about artwork pertaining to Lucy; and just tons more. I was surprised about some of the more obscure facts, and the details that accompanied them. The entry about the play based on Ball, Nobody Loves an Albatross, was fascinating, The section about the guest stars on Lucy's TV shows was very good, especially the story about why Joan Blondell didn't get along with Lucy. The author even has Lucy, Desi, Vivian Vance and William Frawley's social security numbers! Now that's complete. This is the most detailed - and most enjoyable - book available on Lucille Ball. A must-have. Karol combines his own fresh insights and interviews with everything else out there. Results should more than satisfy Lucy fanatics.Editorials
Laura Wagner
A personalized encyclopedia can be found in the substantial, and very important Lucy A to Z: The Lucille Ball Encyclopedia, Third Edition, by Lucy expert Michael Karol. This is quite simply THE volume to get if you're a Lucy fan. Don't even hesitate. No photos, but packed with incredible tidbits about not only Lucille Ball, but also Desi Arnaz, William Frawley and Vivian Vance. Entries include ones on co-stars; writers, directors, books devoted to or featuring Lucy; films (with comments, reviews, trivia, etc.); stage info (for Lucy and Vance); TV shows; a list of magazine covers (with details - her numerous appearances on TV Guide have a separate listing); tributes; a list of ads Lucy appeared in; U.S. Postage stamps; quotes about a variety of subjects (even one abouther favorite food); her FBI file; a fascinating write-up about artwork pertaining to Lucy; and just tons more. I was surprised about some of the more obscure facts, and the details that accompanied them. The entry about the play based on Ball, Nobody Loves an Albatross, was fascinating, The section about the guest stars on Lucy's TV shows was very good, especially the story about why Joan Blondell didn't get along with Lucy. The author even has Lucy, Desi, Vivian Vance and William Frawley's social security numbers! Now that's complete. This is the most detailed - and most enjoyable - book available on Lucille Ball. A must-have. Karol combines his own fresh insights and interviews with everything else out there. Results should more than satisfy Lucy fanatics.— Classic Images, September 2004: