cover image I Love Lucy: The Official 50th Anniversary Tribute

I Love Lucy: The Official 50th Anniversary Tribute

Elisabeth Edwards. Running Press Book Publishers, $39.95 (288pp) ISBN 978-0-7624-1058-3

Providing behind-the-scenes information about the show's origins, brief bios of the stars and highlights from every episode of the show (which aired from 1951 to 1957), I Love Lucy: Celebrating Fifty Years of Love and Laughter by Elisabeth Edwards (The I Love Lucy Guide to Life) pays full tribute to a television phenomenon and shares little-known trivia. Vivian Vance (Ethel) wasn't initially interested in being on the show because she suspected that this newfangled thing called TV didn't have much hope. Desiderio Arnaz fled Cuba at age 16 after his family's estate was burned down during the Batista revolt in 1933. Orson Wells graced the show for an episode and recruited Lucy to participate in his magic act. Questions about each episode (with answers at the back) will be the icing on the cake for Lucy devotees. Color and b&w photos. ( Nov.)