An Evening with Todd S. Purdum

Explore the life and legacy of one of television’s most influential figures during an evening with journalist and author Todd S. Purdum. An Evening with Todd S. Purdum takes place on Saturday, June 21 at Books & Books in Coral Gables, where Purdum will discuss his biography Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television. The book examines the life of the Cuban American entertainer and producer best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy.

Purdum’s work goes beyond Arnaz’s on-screen persona to reveal the complexity of his life and impact on the television industry. From his early days as a Cuban aristocrat displaced by the 1933 revolution to his rise as a pioneering producer, Arnaz helped shape the future of television with innovations such as filming before live audiences using synchronized cameras. Drawing from unpublished materials and original interviews, the biography sheds new light on Arnaz’s contributions to American entertainment.

Presented by Books & Books and the Books & Books Literary Foundation, the event offers two ticketing options: paid admission that includes a copy of the book ($29.99 plus tax) or free entry without the book. Additional copies will be available for purchase at the event.

Purdum brings more than four decades of journalism experience to the discussion, with work featured in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Politico and The Atlantic. His previous books include Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway Revolution and An Idea Whose Time Has Come.