The Abbott and Costello Story: Sixty Years of "Who's on First?" (1997)

 

This book by historians Stephen Cox and John Lofflin is an essential read for any Abbott and Costello fan.  

First and foremost, this book is a loving tribute to the boys. There is never a single second when you doubt, the love the authors have for Abbott and Costello. While they may criticize some of the boy's lesser work, even this is done with a love for what these two great performers are capable of. At the same time, the authors have no pretentions about why they enjoy the boys' work. They never try to present their films as some form of high art. Rather they acknowledge that the main reason, they love Abbott and Costello is that the duo makes them laugh. When so many critics and historians try to claim their favorite entertainers' work as great art and spend much of their writing simply explain why their work is so brilliant, it is quite refreshing to read a book where the authors simply praise a couple of comedians for being funny. 

This book also delves into the boys' personal lives. It takes a very open and fair look at who these two were as people. It does not paint them as perfect individuals, but it avoids demonizing them in the way the other writers (and a controversial TV movie) have. In fact, it even dispels many of the fraudulent rumors that have spread about the two comedians over the years.

One of the most important aspects about this book is the sheer amount of research that went into it. This book features in-depth interviews with family, friends and co-stars. These interviews and various quotes from these individuals scattered throughout this book are endless fascinating and make us feel as if we are right these beside them as they make their classic movies (as well as their TV and radio shows). Even those who may think they have a great knowledge of Abbott and Costello will learn a whole lot from reading this book. 

Also making this book essential is its filmography. The book not only lists every one of their feature length movies, but provides extensive credits, plot summaries and behind the scenes trivia for each one as well as some behind the scenes photos thrown in for good measure. This makes the filmography just as much a fun and important read as the body of the book. Yet the filmography does not stop there. It also provides every episode of their TV sitcom, with a cast list and plot summary for each one. But wait there is more. For us cartoon lovers and Hanna-Barbera fans, this also lists every episode of the Hanna-Barbera Abbott and Costello cartoon show (for which Bud Abbott provided his own voice) with a plot summary for each one. As some of these cartoons are not easy to see, this makes for very compelling and important reading to any cartoon fan (as well as any Abbott and Costello fan who is interested due to Bud providing his own voice). 

For any Abbott and Costello fans this is essential reading. For any non-Abbott and Costello fans, this book just might make you one.