Lucy A To Z » (2008 4th Edition)

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.