Linn Sheldon delighted Cleveland children with his "Barnaby" character and television show in the 1950s and '60s. His overwhelming popularity made Barnaby an icon of an era of childhoodÑa warm, lasting memory that thousands of Clevelanders hold on to still.
Now this master storyteller is ready to tell his most fascinating story of all; his own.
Behind the unusual character of a lovable six-foot-tall elf was an equally unusual man. Abandoned as an infant, the young Linn Sheldon quickly learned how to entertain as a matter of necessityÑin order to convince people to take care of him. He parlayed that skill into an early career in show business and, soon, a lucky break brought him local fame. Unfortunately, some of the other things Sheldon learned from his early years led him to destroy his chances for greater stardom in Hollywood.
Some might look back on a life that has swung from low to high and back and forth again with bitterness or longing. Linn Sheldon retains a beautiful sense of humor. That, along with an exceptionally good ear for a story and a deft touch with words make Linn Sheldon eminently qualified to tell this touching and very human tale.

Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

My father and him used to be close friends in the 1950's. I remember this man for all the good that he has done.:

Hi all,
Admittedly, I have not read or purchased this book but I am going to now. I may also get a copy for each of my family members. I would have hoped that he would have personal stories such as what my letter contains in his autobiography. Oh well. Maybe the next book, huh Mr. Sheldon?
To understand Mr. Sheldon is to understand most major cities in the US with children's TV in the 1950's. It was like providing a surrogate parent or friend on TV to the kids that were watching. There was ethics... more info

Somewhat interesting, but overall disappointing:

Linn Sheldon's Barnaby character was probably one of the most sincere of the great 1960's kiddie show hosts. In many ways, his warmth and understanding were predecessor to what Mr. Rogers brought to children's TV -- although an essential difference is that Mr. Roger's entire agenda was about supporting children, whereas Barnaby hosted a show that marketed cartoons to children, and was supported by advertising...
Anyway, I find myself perplexed at the 5-star reviews of this book. Sheldon has collected... more info

THIS BOOK BRINGS BACK SOME GREAT MEMORIES:

I GREW UP WATCHING BARNABY FOR MANY YEARS AS A SMALL FRY. HE WAS AND STILL IS ONE OF MY HEROES. LINN SHELDON DOES A GREAT JOB DESCRIBING HIS LIFE, CAREER, AND ADVENTURES IN SHOW BIZ. HE IS VERY CREATIVE, HUMOROUS, DETAILED, AND WITTY. HE WRITES WITH CLASS AND DIGNITY. HIS TELLING OF THE DARK SIDE OF HIS LIFE (ALCOHOLISM) IS VERY HONEST, TOUCHING, AND HUMOROUS. I AM A RECOVERING ONE MYSELF. I CAN IDENTIFY WITH HIS FEELINGS AND EXPERIENCES. THIS IS A VERY TOUCHING LOOK AT A VERY LOVING AND CREATIVE MAN WHO... more info

Barnaby & Me:

Although it is about the life of a television performer,one who was a pioneer in the industry, I feel that this book is an easy read, fun, and hard to leave alone...I find myself referring to favorite chapters many, many times. This is not a book about Cleveland, it is a book about everyone. Someone should do a musical or movie about this author.

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