Nearly fifty years after its original publication, A Book remains one of the most honest and entertaining memoirs to come out of Hollywood’s Golden Age. This expanded edition gives readers even more reason to revisit Desi Arnaz’s remarkable story, adding exclusive excerpts from his unfinished second memoir, thoughtful commentary by his daughter Lucie Arnaz, a foreword by granddaughter Kate Luckinbill, and a collection of new photographs.
Arnaz’s voice is as engaging today as it was in 1976. He candidly recounts his journey from fleeing Cuba to becoming one-half of one of television’s most iconic couples, while also detailing the creation of I Love Lucy and the television innovations that transformed the entertainment industry. His willingness to discuss both his triumphs and his personal mistakes gives the memoir an authenticity that many celebrity autobiographies lack.
The new material enhances rather than overshadows the original text. Lucie Arnaz offers additional reflections that provide further perspective on her father, while the excerpts from Desi’s unfinished memoir reveal a more reflective man looking back on a life filled with extraordinary accomplishments and hard-earned lessons. Together, these additions paint a richer portrait of the entertainer, businessman, innovator, and family man behind the public image.
For classic Hollywood and television enthusiasts, this expanded edition is much more than a reissue. It is a fitting tribute to Desi Arnaz’s enduring legacy as a performer, producer, and visionary whose influence continues to shape television today. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of I Love Lucy or simply interested in the history of early television, A Book (Expanded Edition) is an engaging, insightful, and worthwhile read.
Hometowns to Hollywood 