Desi Arnaz’s life ricocheted between privilege and economic hardship, creative peaks and alcoholic lows — the stuff of high drama. But it was comedy that secured his legacy. The Cuban American ...

Desi Arnaz, here with Vivian Vance ... as Todd Purdum writes in a new biography. (Bettmann Archive / Getty Images) ...

Read more:'Lucy and Desi': A conversation with Amy Poehler and Lucie Arnaz Like the film, the biography benefits from the cooperation of the couple’s children, Desi Arnaz Jr. and especially ...

“Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” Todd S. Purdum’s deeply researched, insightful and enjoyable biography, gives Arnaz his due as an entertainer and a savvy businessman. With ...

This cover image released by Simon & Schuster shows "Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television" by Todd S. Purdum. (Simon & Schuster via AP) ...

“Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,” Todd S. Purdum’s deeply researched, insightful and enjoyable biography, gives Arnaz his due as an entertainer and a savvy businessman. With help, Arnaz ...

Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television,'' Todd S. Purdum's deeply researched, insightful and enjoyable biography, gives Arnaz his due as an entertainer and a savvy businessman. With help ...