Product Description
A prize-winning biography draws on almost a decade of research to recreate, in vivid detail, the beginning of the King's career. Reprint. National ad/promo. NYT. Amazon.com Review
There's no mention of sequins, drugs, or peanut butter in this understated biography of the teenaged Elvis, a serious and worthy attempt to answer the question, "Who was this guy before he was an icon, the voice of a generation, the King?" The essential clarity and honesty of Guralnick's prose clearly limns the eager, malleable boy whose immense talent changed the course of American music. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (69)

Last Train to Memphis, why I liked it.
I really liked this first installment (not so much the second, I will review that one too). The first was great, it showed Elvis as a hungry, real person, a child, yes a child but more of a man here than he grows into. This volume takes us to his going into the Army and this was where the excitement of Elvis was created. He was just great, that voice, his nervous ticks, his smile, that hair, yes I am male and I can appreciate all of his sexiness and understand what women found so attractive, although he was just a scared little boy who loved his mother to unhealthy limits. No matter, this book is about raw ambition and how Elvis achieved something so new and so powerful with his lust for success. If you are a fan, even a small fan then read this book, learn how Elvis became Elvis.

Fact and legend combine in mythical tale
Most people are familiar with the broad outlines of the Elvis Presley story -- how a young man (still a teenager) became an overnight sensation and changed pop music and pop culture forever.But the incandescent heyday of Elvis was so short and his decline was so long that it's hard to appreciate how astonishing the Elvis phenomenon was.This book sets the record sraight and provides a nuanced and sensitive reading of his youth, his musical influences, his personality, and the culture that engulfed him.It's everything you always wanted to know about Elvis, packaged in a way that really makes you feel as if you were there.

There's much that sticks in my mind from this book, but the strongest parts are the descriptions of the life he led as a kid and teenager in Memphis.Elvis' family was poor, not quite living on public assistance but poor enough to live in subsidized housing after they moved from Tupelo, Mississippi, to Memphis when his father sought higher-paying factory work.Elvis was about 12 at the time of the move, and he was a country boy.His family left behind their close relatives in Tupelo, which was disorienting.Also, the big city and big-city schools intimidated him, and he never quite recovered.He spent his high school years as an outcast -- a mediocre student, a shy kid with a few close friends, a musician who wasn't very good -- and the burning ambition and unique talent was hard to discern.

But all the while, the key influences in his life built in strength."Last Train to Memphis" captures these pieces eloquently and with telling detail.You can feel yourself sitting on a porch stoop in the heat of a summer evening, with Elvis strumming his guitar and singing gospel and pop songs of the day.You can see Elvis walking down to the Hotel Chisco to watch innovative DJ Dewey Phillips spin popular white tunes and then mixing in the emerging music from Black artists in the South.You can see Elvis' mother cooking him fried chicken, greens, and mashed potatoes, and sitting at the table where they talk about almost nothing at all, for hours and hours.You can hear the sounds coming from bars on Beale Street, the Black Broadway where Elvis tentatively wandered on occasion.And you can see the storefront Sun Records, where Sam Phillips produced records by newcomers Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis -- within an 18-month period of mind-boggling creativity.

The book also tries to explain what happened.It punctures myths about Elvis as a dumb, instinctual musician and replaces it with a man who loved many types of music, studied it, and was meticulous in the recording studio. For example, it was common in the early 1950s for bands to make cheap recordings that they would sell to friends and at concerts. But instead of doing that, Elvis went to Sun Records to get a professionally produced recording, and then he went back regularly for 9 months, trying to get Sam Phillips to listen to the recording. So, Elvis' perseverence was part of his success.

Also, while Elvis definitely had strange habits and loved the accoutrements of stardom, he was genuinely a nice and caring person. The book has literally a hundred quotes from people of all walks of life who found him to be open, an "innocent" really, who treated everyone with respect and interest.You really feel that you'd have enjoyed meeting him and becoming a member of his entourage for a week.

The book also casts Colonel Parker in a fairly positive light. Parker really did have Elvis' best interests at heart, especially in terms of fame and fortune. He brought Elvis from a very promising regional act, a Grand Ole Opry kind of guy, to the biggest showcases in TV and Hollywood in a matter of months. And he protected Elvis' artistic independence in those early years, fighting relentlessly against RCA record execs who wanted him to record as fast as possible while he was hot.

Finally, the book details the punishing schedule of performances that Elvis and his band endured in his two-plus years of early stardom. He was doing shows every night, often in cities 500 miles apart. Long drives and even longer train rides -- sometimes 20- or 30-hour train rides -- were the norm. He criss-crossed paths with everyone from Bill Monroe and the top Opry stars of the day to Buddy Holly, BB King, Jerry Lee Lewis, to the great gospel performers -- and he inspired and was inspired by all of them. Meanwhile at each stop, Elvis would encounter a near-riot, scores of ready women, dozens of people seeking favors and handouts, and a phalanx of media. How he could handle it at age 20 or 21 is beyond comprehension.

For a great history of the dawn of rock, read this book.You'll find out about the people who started it, and what they were trying to do. You'll find out about life on the road, and the fervent sharing of new music as it swept the land. And you'll learn about the greatest figure of all, Elvis.

Hunk o Burnin Love
This dude can write.A labor of love.He re-creates what Elvis did, day by day by day by day in his early years.
Didn't know this, but right after he got out of high school and was trying to make a name for himself at the VFW Dance Hall - Country Fair - Amarillo Texas Jamboree type gigs, Elvis did A LOT of touring!Playing in small clubs, all over the South, night after night after night after night after night.So some of this gets a little tedious.But not much. This dude - Gurlanick - can write like nobody's downchild.A good read!

Elvis by Guralnick..Book 1
Condition exceeded expectation.Content even better!(which Amazon gets no credit for) Great price! smooth shipping. Bravo...I mean..."Thankyaverramuch"

BEST ELVIS PRESLEY BOOK on the MARKET!!!!
BEST ELVIS PRESLEY BOOK on the MARKET! ((Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley)) My name is Kenneth Haney and my wife is Kathleen Haney, and we collect everything that has to do with Elvis Mergidise and Collectors Stuff! They book is (BY FAR!)Our favore Elvis Presley Book of all times, and we have a collection of about 200 Elvis Books at home! YOU'LL LOVE THIS BOOK! ... Read more

Product Description

Thirty-three years after his death, Elvis Presley's extraordinary physical appeal, timeless music, and sexual charisma continue to captivate, titillate, and excite. Though hundreds of books have been written about the King, no book has solely explored his relationships with women and how they influenced his music and life . . . until now.

Customer Reviews (51)

Good Not Great
I've read several books about Elvis over the years. This one isn't the best but isn't the worst either. To me, it started very slowly. I guess I am not a hardcore enough fan to really be interested in Elvis's numerous childhood sweethearts. To me the book doesn't pick up speed until he begins dating Anita Wood who was famously thrown over for Priscilla. This book shatters the fairy tale that Priscilla wrote about in Elvis and Me and according to the author's account, Priscilla was not the love of Elvis's life.
The author interviewed dozens of women who all claim to have shared a wonderful, meaningful relationship with Elvis. After a while, they all run together and there is no way of knowing if they are remembering their dreams or reality. The author also ties in a lot of psychological analysis based on theories involving "twinless twins". The last half of the book is engaging and you could certainly do much worse when looking for a read about Elvis.

Very revealing; lots of information
As in her earlier book "Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations from the Memphis Mafia", "Baby, Let's Play House" is lengthy and full of information.Overall, it is excellent. Nash has done an immense amount of homework and engaged important people to assemble the book.

She presents an amazing chronology of Elvis's many, many, many sweethearts and lovers.It was very enlightening, even after my reading about 30 previous books on Elvis.

In "Revelations", Nash essentially presented a compilation of remarks and information.In "Play House", she becomes more analytical, and it is here that I find fault.

I felt that conflicting statements were made on what was Elvis' ideal woman, primarily their physical characteristics.A primary example: His mother Gladys is mentioned as a reference point, and it is suggested that Priscilla looked like a young Gladys, but I cannot see any resemblance there at all.There are other remarks that suggest inconsistencies in Elvis' taste in women.I felt that Nash should have brought all the relevant information together and resolved it for the reader.

I also believe that Nash leaned entirely too heavily on Peter Whitmer who wrote "The Inner Elvis, A Psychological Biography of Elvis Aaron Presley".I found Whitmer's analysis to be somewhat far fetched, particularly when it came to Elvis' twin who died at birth.

Breakdown of the "Baby, Let's Play House" (pages):
Introduction: 6
Text: 609
Acknowledgments: 4
Endnotes: 44
Bibliography: 3
Index: 22

Baby, Let's Play House
Trash!!!!!!!!!!! Author went into details that were not necessary, so different from anything I have ever seen or read about Elvis.Contradicts Priscella and the ones that worked for him.

Pleasure and Pain... Salaciousness and Sadness...
Baby Let's Play House, Alanna Nash

Pleasure and Pain... Salaciousness and Sadness...

The unique journey of Elvis Presley and his women as documented by Alanna Nash the respected and well-loved author of other Elvis works such as `The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley (2003)' and `Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations from the Memphis Mafia (1995).

Written in a Alanna's typical `hard to put down' style this book is as important, in its own way, as Guralnick's `Last Train to Memphis' (1994) and `Careless Love' (1999) cataloging the King's descent into self gratification...

...and what a journey it is - this book documents the women (and girls) that won Elvis's heart - albeit only for short periods of time. As Elvis's fame and talent grew so did his desire for `young' girls - some of it out of his `Mother' complex and some out of pure lust - many were underage.

It is important to put all this into context and Alanna does beautifully, detailing his meteoric rise from Tupelo to Vegas and detailing his conquests and loneliness along the way. His love for his Mother, his `loss' of his twin - all laid out in a clear writing style that one can only admire and written by a true Elvis fan, a fan who is incredibly `honest' with the reader - and we should thank her for that honesty and integrity

The reader is taken by the hand and led upon this journey which is largely a sad one about Elvis's inability to end his loneliness and find real love (after his Mother) and about his indulging of his every whim - even when it was with underage girls - justifying it always, as only Elvis could, and ensuring that he could not be challenged, even by his Father because... he was Elvis.

We have had books (variable in quality) about Elvis's music, his films and his family and entourage and we have had women in his life writing about their experiences - but this is the first time we have had such a comprehensive narrative about his relationship with `his' women.

Congratulations, then, on a superb book which is up `there' amongst the great books on Elvis - and Elvis we loved and still love you - you were only human and we wish you were still here you had greatness and weakness in equal measure but you will never be surpassed as the greatest musical entertainer the world has ever known - rest in peace.

Go buy this book - read, feel uncomfortable in that reading yes, and marvel that such a personality was amongst us leaving us with such a rich legacy and WHAT a story!

Steven Chernikeeff

Absolutely loved it!
This book is fantastic.The author has clearly done many years of research to bring us this extremely well written and in depth account of Elvis Presley from a point of view that has never been explored before.At times you will laugh,and at times you will want to cry,but more importantly,you get something that is sadly lacking in most other books on Elvis,and that is a felling for who he really was.The man and not the image.The chapter on the death of Elvis' mother is both moving and heartbreaking and although heavy going at times,you will find the stories fascinating,sad,and at times uplifting.I would thoroughly recommend this very large and interesting book. ... Read more

Product Description
If you wanted a picture of the life of Elvis Presley, who better to paint it for you than someone who worked as his trusted cook and maid at Graceland?Someone whose daily tasks centered around keeping the 'King of Rock & Roll' happy, whose every move was designed to please the greatest music legend the entertainment world has ever known.Here is that picture, as painted by Nancy Rooks.Nancy worked for Elvis from 1967 until his untimely death in 1977.Read her stories of what those years were like, of what the routines were at Graceland, and what it meant to be close to Elvis and his family on a daily basis.Read the sad account of her rushing upstairs, after a frantic call from Ginger Alden, and finding him on the bathroom floor.This book presents that picture, one that every Elvis fan will want to see. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

elvis
hi i just readin side graceland and i found it very good when i get done i will read it again this book was great onw you can see that nancy loved elvis i have many elvis books but i really liked this one elvis would be proud the book every elvis fan should read i love elvis and i have read lots of books and this has it thank you nancy you did a great job
charlene

Inside Graceland
Another book by an employee trying to get rich off the Elvis name. Save your money. Not worth the read. For someone who supposedy worked at Graceland, no information that hasn't already been published was in this book. Pictures were blurry and or already published.

Great
Loved this book, easy reading and it is great to see how Elvis lived in his home.Could not put this book down.

Inside the walls of Graceland
this is yet another account inside the walls of Graceland.Very nice read.What a nice lady Nancy Rooks is.I thank her for sharing her story with us.

Inside Graceland ! Great Elvis Bookj!
Inside Graceland is another really nice Elvis Book for any collectors. The more Elvis Books like this that you or I own, get to know that much more about the Great Elvis Presley and the History of the Presley Family. ... Read more

Product Description
When George Klein was an eighth grader at Humes High, he couldn’t have known how important the new kid with the guitar—the boy named Elvis—would later become in his life. But from the first time GK (as he was nicknamed by Elvis) heard this kid sing, he knew that Elvis Presley was someone extraordinary. During Elvis’s rise to fame and throughout the wild swirl of his remarkable life, Klein was a steady presence and one of Elvis’s closest and most loyal friends until his untimely death in 1977.

In Elvis: My Best Man, a heartfelt, entertaining, and long-awaited contribution to our understanding of Elvis Presley and the early days of rock ’n’ roll, George Klein writes with great affection for the friend he knew—about who the King of Rock ’n’ Roll really was and how he acted when the stage lights were off. This fascinating chronicle of boundary-breaking and music-making through one of the most intriguing and dynamic stretches of American history overflows with insights and anecdotes from someone who was in the middle of it all. From the good times at Graceland to hanging out with Hollywood stars to butting heads with Elvis’s iron-handed manager, Colonel Tom Parker, to making sure that Elvis’s legacy is fittingly honored, GK was a true friend of the King and a trailblazer in the music industry in his own right. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Elvis: my best man
Particularly interesting as it goes back to the school days of Elvis.

Most books begin after he came to fame.

My Best Man
There is not to much that can be wrote about Elvis that hadn't already been wrote. I enjoy George's radio show and enjoyed the part in the book about his own life more than the part on Elvis. I think he should have named the book "I Was A Pimp For Elvis". As always-- I got good sevice from Amazon --that is why their stock is going though the roof. Forget all the Elvis books except "Last Train To Memphis. The people around Elvis didn't know the man --he went though life acting a part.

Well worth your time
A faithful friendship, that proved true to the very end, about a common man with faults like you and I truly blessed by the Lord, in many ways. His gratitude for this from the beginning, is shared by George, in such a way, that makes one feel they are there as a witness. This is a welcomed book of information that is difficult to put down. Well worth the wait.

Excellent Book
I love this book. Really goes into a lot of detail. Definitely worth buying. I am a huge Elvis fan. GK did a great job describing Elvis's life.

Great Book
I have always been an Elvis fan, but have never like to read.I would listen to George Klein on sirius radio and discovered what a true fan he was.Nobody seemed to know more about Elvis.I decided to buy the book.My
son said you'll never read it.I read the introduction and just couldn't put it down,By the 2nd day I had
read the whole book.I truly loved it.He told about Elvis growing up and how he had been such a good friend to him in school and throughout life.I don't think there is amyone out there who could relate their experiences with Elvis the way George did.No one seemed to know him better, not even Prisilla,Buy the book, you'll be glad you did. ... Read more

Product Description
Put on your blue suede shoes and get ready for the latest title in theWho Was…? series! The King could not have come from humblerorigins: Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, during the Depression, he grewup with the blues music of the rural South, the gospel music of localchurches, and the country-western classics. But he forged a soundall his own—and a look that was all his own, too. With curled lip,swiveling hips, and greased pompadour, Elvis changed popular musicforever, ushering in the age of rock and roll. Geoff Edgers’s fascinatingbiography of this icon of American pop culture includes blackand-white illustrations on nearly every spread. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Who Was Elvis Presley?
This is a must read for Elvis fans. Very funny and respectful, yet truthful in how many of us are so weird in our continued devotion to this amazing icon.

this is a cool mini book on Elvis
in remembering his death around this time of the year this is a good book fora younger era to find out who Elvis Presleywas and what made him who he was as a artist. this book covers alot of territory and isn't long and it is a cool book for a newbie on Elvis.

elvis by mathias
elvis is sad story in the begining but then comes happy times when elvis gets his his first guitar on his 11th birthday and evevn better when he makes his big comeback I really liked it ... Read more

Product Description
Commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of Elvis’s death, an intimate memoir of a friendship with the greatest artist in rock and roll history, taking you from late-night parties at Graceland to the bright lights of Hollywood sets and glittering stages of Vegas.

On a lazy Sunday in 1954, twelve-year-old Jerry Schilling wandered into a Memphis touch football game, only to discover that his team was quarterbacked by a nineteen-year-old Elvis Presley, the local teenager whose first record, "That’s All Right," had just received its first play on Memphis radio. The two became fast friends, even as Elvis turned into the world’s biggest star. In 1964, Elvis invited Jerry to work for him as part of his "Memphis Mafia," and Jerry soon found himself living with Elvis full-time in a Bel Air mansion and, later, in his own room at Graceland. Over the next thirteen years Jerry would work for Elvis in various capacities—from bodyguard to photo double to co-executive producer on a karate film.

Me and a Guy Named Elvis looks at Presley from a friend’s perspective, offering readers the man rather than the icon. Spanning Elvis’s meteoric rise to those later troubled years, Jerry’s story offers never-before-told stories about life inside Elvis’s inner circle, and an insightful, emotional recounting of the great times, hard times, and unique times he and Elvis shared. Schilling’s vivid memories will be priceless to Elvis’s millions of fans, and his compelling life story will be fascinating to an even wider audience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (73)

Great!
This is by far the best book I have read on Elvis.George Klein's book is good; but I re-read Jerry's book last week.It is a real look at Jerry's life; but it is written with unconditional love.Jerry does not paint over the short comings of his famous friend.But he tells his story; as if he were sitting talking to the reader; one on one.

A little to kissy face for me....
I enjoyed learning some details that could only be relayed by an inner circle guy...but felt JS was WAY to sugar coated for me...can he actually expect us to believe the Graceland (or Cali, or Vegas, or Hawaii or Palm Springs) parties were driven by Coca Cola, Pepsi and Iced Tea? Plus glossing over , what had to be, a intersting sexual dynamic with all the girls....Jerry comes across as a nice guy who did not want to ruffle any feathers. The whole thing felt very anticeptic to me-

A Good Story From Jerry
Do read this book about Elvis.Jerry had always been one of Elvis's best friends.I think you would find out about his heart and soul.I enjoyed it very much.I couldn't put it down.Sometimes I find myself reading a chapter from the book that is how much I liked this book.

I hope you like it too...

Anna

Elvis Best
Purchased books for my Brother-In-Law for his Birthday and he has enjoyed both related books.

Yet Another "Best Friend" Remembers the King
To me, the most fascinating story from this book comes, not from Jerry Schilling's time with Elvis, but just a few years ago: Jerry just happened to be at some function with Bono- yes, from U2!- and Bono kept taking Jerry around to his friends, always, proudly, introducing Jerry as "the ONLY guy Elvis knew who never wrote a book!" This is untrue, of course, since Charlie Hodge (R.I.P. as of 2009) never wrote one, either. Finally, someone said, "Hey, Jerry- You mean you didn't tell Bono that you've got a book about Elvis coming out?" Jerry blushed crimson, and was uncomfortable, because he'd never once corrected Bono's admiration-filled intro. Jerry writes that Bono was so upset, he stormed out of the room in a huff; a sure sign that he felt this book was a betrayal. Later, though, he comes back and says (grudgingly) to Jerry, "Well, I guess you'd be the one to write it...", thus giving his tacit approval.
Priscilla and Lisa Marie gave their stamp of approval, too- and they actually wrote endorsements for it, which appear on the back cover. Lisa, in particular, says that Jerry did a great job of "capturing the beauty of my Father's spirit." Lisa told Jerry (when he asked her to read it)that, if she DID read it, it would only be the second book about her Dad that she'd ever read. The only other one, naturally, was her Mom's "Elvis and Me". She explained that she hadn't read the others(good girl!), because she never wanted her admiration of her Daddy to be tainted or distorted by other people's perceptions of Elvis. Lisa Marie (or "Memphis" as Jerry always calls her), read it, and made J.S. promise not to change a single word of the manuscript, which he didn't.
I wrote all of that, because, while J.S.seems like a nice guy, I DO wish that Lisa Marie had read a bio about Elvis that was a little better written( Peter G.'s "Last Train to Memphis", or Pat Broeske's faultless "Down At the End of Lonely Street", anyone?). Make no mistake- "slow-moving" plot line aside,ANY book about Elvis is much appreciated by me. No matter who writes it, I always carry away something wonderful about Elvis, some long buried gem, that I never knew- and this book contains dazzling little glimpses. Jerry was the first person Elvis talked to that fateful Vegas night, after Priscilla told Elvis she wanted out of their marriage. Elvis, ever the gentleman, ever the man with the tender heart, called Jerry into the hotel room after he and his wife had agreed to separate, and asked Jerry to please walk Priscilla back to her room. Even in his excruciating emotional pain, Elvis still showed concern for Priscilla's safety. What a wonderful man!
As true Elvis fans know, there are two distinct camps in the Elvis World: there are the Memphis Mafia members who say (or write), that Elvis was in love with Priscilla, was just dying to marry her, and didn't cheat nearly as much as has been asserted. Think Esposito, Patsy Presley (Elvis' double first cousin), and now, J.S. himself. THEN, there's the other side, who say (or write), that Elvis didn't want to marry Priscilla, she made him miserable, and he cheated on her like Highway #70, going East.This camp includes Sonny and Red (the West cousins), Lamar Fike, and Billy Smith (Elvis' first cousin). If you look at the two sides, the ones who said the former, that he was in love with Pris, were invited to the wedding, and still associate with EPE and are welcome at Graceland . The OTHER camp, barred from the ceremony (save Billy Smith) are all persona non grata. "The Wedding",( tactlessly executed by "Colonel" Tom Parker) caused hurt feelings, bitterness, and animosity that still exists to this day. Schilling writes about Elvis and Priscilla in a positive way, and I understand why. However, he holds NO HOLDS BARRED when describing the times he fell out with "E". He even relates to us that Elvis slept with his girlfriend, one night, while Jerry was down the hall, fast asleep! Elvis avoided Jerry for a week, then told him the truth. Jerry forgave him, because the girlfriend was the woman he'd left his wife for; therefore, there was really no high moral ground that anyone could take.
Jerry spends alot of time writing of his childhood, his family history, and his dreams and accomplishments. Unlike Joe Esposito's tales, which basically just dive headfirst into the "juicy" stuff,(yay!) J.S. builds his life for you, step by step. If you like life stories, from people in general, you will probably like that. If you do not care, like 99% of us, you may want to skip ahead.
Pet Peeve time: I don't know what Elvis individually told his "boys", but, I've readall of the bios, and each one of these guys seems to think that the whole operation was on his shoulders alone- that, were he disposed of, it would collapse in chaos- a theory that Elvis himself disproved, on wheels, in the year before his passing. J.S. writes of encouraging Elvis to take on projects, editing the movie "Elvis On Tour" (with just a little help from a guy named Martin Scorcese), and flying to Washington to orchestrate Presley's historical meeting with Pres. Nixon. Each "Mafioso" paints Elvis as a lost, helpless little man who leaned heavily on their big, strong chests. I just want to scream "You guys-- Elvis was the coolest, handsomest, most talented man that's ever lived. He needed no help to be that way! Stop portraying him as a helpless soul!"
Aside from all of that: Elvis fans will appreciate this book, because we're interested in anyone who shared the inner court with the King. I love being sprinkled with Elvis dust, no matter who's hand is doing the sprinkling. With a little abridgement magic, a stream-lined version of this book would make a fascinating read. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Return of the King Elvis Presley
Lots of information about how Elvis made decisions on music he done.Much information and enjoyed reading. A must read for Elvis fans.

Elvis' Last Stand
By 1968 Elvis Presley was the King of Rock `n' Roll, and a has been. Rock music had moved beyond and transcended him. He spent his post army years making movies and movie soundtracks of lessening quality with each passing one. Gillian Gaar's "Return of the King: Elvis Presley's Great Comeback" spotlights Presley's December 1968 "comeback special" that revitalized Elvis and his career for a brief few years until Elvis fell back into old habits and relied on management that increasingly took for granted Elvis' creative needs, and an entourage of yes men.

The comeback special featured Elvis in production numbers and in what could be designated the first "unplugged" performance, Elvis on a small stage with Scotty Moore and DJ Fontana surrounded by fans as he and the boys reminisced in between playing Elvis' songs live. The show also introduced new songs that would soon become Elvis classics such as "Guitar Man" and In The Ghetto." The special not only proved to the world that Elvis was a force to be reckoned with, it bolstered Elvis' self-confidence and proved to himself that he could still be a vital and creative force in music.

In the aftermath of the special, Elvis felt a creative resurgence that led to some of Elvis' most creative and productive recording sessions at the American Studios in Memphis. Another after effect of the comeback special was Elvis' return to live performance the first of which would be in the newly built International Hotel where an excited Elvis assembled a band and back-up singers who challenged and enhanced Elvis' performances. As Elvis' manager Col. Tom Parker smelled the money in the air, the live performances quickly became a new kind of trap for Elvis.

It's clear that one of Elvis' major problems was his obsessive reliance on Col. Tom Parker. Parker, a former carny huckster should have been a transitional figure in Elvis' life. However Elvis felt indebted to Parker, and Parker took advantage of Elvis treating him like a serf. When Parker found projects that at first engaged Elvis and offered a creative outlet, like the movies and later the Vegas live shows, Parker jumped on it and ran it into the ground booking Elvis for the same type of engagements regardless of quality or the toll it took on Elvis until all Elvis could do is joyless parodies of his former self.

The other detrimental factor for Elvis was his entourage. A group that treated Elvis with kid gloves and encouraged the worst aspects of Elvis' personality. Ironically, it was with producers that challenged Elvis and told him the truth who got the better performances out of him.

Gillian Gaar does an excellent job of documenting this aspect of Elvis' career. Gaar interviewed the members of the comeback special's production team, the musicians and producers who recorded with Elvis and the musicians and singers who played live with Elvis (rarely were the groups the same). There are endnotes for each chapter, there's a comprehensive listing of all of Elvis' live performances between 1968 and 1970, and a selected discography and bibliography.

I'm not one to recommend a publisher or their whole catalog but Jawbone Press is publishing high quality books in both content and the actual physical book. If you're a rock fan I would highly recommend other Jawbone Press books such as "Forever Changes: Arthur Lee and the Book of Love" and "Becoming Elektra: The True Story of Jac Holzman's Visionary Record Label" as well as checking their catalog for other books that may be of interest. I've made a space in my bookcase for Jawbone Press books.

Return of the King
A very interesting perspective of this pivotal point of Elvis' career.Very well rounded selection of interviews that bring a more intimate look at a story that's been well documented.I do have a few issues with this book.The Jerry Reed portion isn't quite accurate, although Elvis wasn't aware, they leaned on Jerry much harder than the book leads you to believe.Maybe a small point, but it's one of many things that I disliked about some of the people around him.There are a few people that all Elvis writers should be warned to stay away from at all costs.If your last name ends in Stanley or West you have no credibility, too many years of lies for anyone to start believing you now, to the author's credit, there's just the one quote.I was really hoping that the book would end around '71, unfortunately it didn't.Like the vast majority of books about Elvis, once you get past the Aloha from Hawaii portion, it gets convoluted and wildly inaccurate.This book follows that pattern.Listen to Jerry Schilling, Dr. Nick, to a degree Joe E when he speaks in less generalities.The last years of his life were filled with painful physical ailments, depression, fad diets, overwork, reliance on prescriptions (as a means of function), and loneliness, unless he was on a stage, and even then, there were times when that wasn't enough.It's not fair to bundle all that as due to an addiction and then trudge on to some other self-destructive point with no understanding or perspective of reference.Everything up to the American and Stax sessions was well thought out from a fresh perspective, detail oriented and a great read, from chapter 6 on, it's well, it's the exact opposite.

Important addition to Elvis' literature
I'm rarely moved to review on Amazon, however this book about the '68 Comeback Special and its aftermath has done so.I consider myself well versed on the King, however this book has taught me a thing or two to say the least.It covers the period preceding the Singer Special and the time up until his decline...Well written and informative.

A moving, specific focus any rock music history library will want
Return of the King: Elvis Presley's Great Comeback tells of a pivotal period in Elvis Presley's life. Buy 1967 he was just about a has-been - but he resisted the fade to obscurity and come roaring back, making some of his most enduring records. This focuses on his comeback and the events that fostered it, and makes for a moving, specific focus any rock music history library will want. The specific insights into the nature of Presley's comeback offers far more depth the usual, more general Presley overview. ... Read more

Product Description
For the first time, the inside story of legendary entertainer Elvis Presley’s life as a husband, father, son, cousin, friend, spiritual seeker — Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley, and other family members, come together to memorialize our greatest star in this stunningly illustrated companion to a major television special and longer-form documentary.

Elvis by the Presleys is a uniquely fascinating treasure and serves as the essential companion to a major television special on CBS and, from Sony BMG, a longer-form documentary DVD and its related CD. Culled from hours of new family interviews conducted for the television special and DVD (much of it appearing exclusively in this book), enhanced with Elvis quotes, and illustrated with private family photographs and images of personal memorabilia from the archives of Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises, Elvis by the Presleys is an extraordinary document about an extraordinary figure.

In all, the book is the compelling result of a historic gathering of voices of those who not only witnessed from the wings Elvis Presley’s public life, but also knew the superstar out of the spotlight. His former wife Priscilla Presley, their daughter Lisa Marie Presley, his cousin Patsy Presley Geranen, Priscilla’s parents, and members of the combined and extended families sensitively and candidly share their intimate perspective on the real person, while at the same time celebrating one of America’s greatest stars.

As Priscilla Presley puts it in Elvis by the Presleys, “Who can think of Elvis without thinking of Graceland?” Here Graceland is seen as a teeming family retreat, where the kitchen was the center of operations; where tag football games were played in the yard; where folks drove golf carts up and down the hills; and where Elvis spent many of his happiest times.

Elvis by the Presleys reveals life at Graceland like never before. We witness the arc of his love affair with Priscilla; Elvis as a father to his adored Lisa Marie; his obsessions and passions; and the strength of his musical legacy, which continues unabated to this day. There are Christmas cards here, too; contracts and invoices; selections from Lisa Marie’s childhood scrapbook; and even a picture of the champagne bottle (signed) from Elvis and Priscilla’s wedding.

Here, now, is the tumultuous story of the life of a lovely yet complex man; a portrait of the career of a brilliantly accomplished yet often frustrated artist; an insider’s tale of enduring love, related with warmth and unguarded candor . . . and a story told the way only a family can tell it.


2-hour CBS special airs May 2005

4-hour Sony BMG documentary DVDand its companion CD in stores May 2005

The DVD is a longer-form presentation of the footage edited for the special. Both the special and the DVD are comprised of the family interviews, private home movies, performance footage and interviews, and photography — some of the material rare, some never before available to the public.

The CD of Elvis’s music features Elvis classics, hidden treasures, rarities and family favorites.Amazon.com Review
Think of Elvis by the Presleys as the ultimate souvenir guide from your tour of Graceland. The 256 pages are packed with family photos, reminisces, and still-life photography of Elvis's possessions. The book is also a companion volume to the multimdedia event that brings the personal side of Elvis to the masses from the recollections of just six family members: wife Priscilla; daughter Lisa Marie; cousin Patsy; along with Priscilla's mom, dad, and sister. Many of the words written here were not in the TV show but one assumes what will make this a keeper are the photos. Along with candid shots, there are stills of the home movies seen on the CBS special (and subsequent--and expanded--DVD), and the still life shots by Henry Leutwyler get your mind racing. Here one can dwell on Elvis's guitar and think of all the music that came out of it. You can spy his phonograph with the record that was on it when he died, his wallet, an autographed Bible, his first contract, a hand-drawn football play, even his FBI badge along with pristine views inside Graceland. Some shots seem like filler (a boot, "with the original mud," Lisa Marie's crayons), but the overall impression is you are viewing pieces from the Museum of Cool, circa 1970. Several of Pricilla's passages and some of the images allude to Elvis's dark side: the massive reference book on pills and three guns are shown (plus the TV Elvis shot) looking like items from a murder investigation. Ultimately, do we really learn anything new about Elvis? Perhaps not, but there are several segments where Priscilla (the main voice) draws us in with her emotional recollections. The book (and program) is never better than telling the courtship in Germany when a homesick solider found an older-than-her-age 9th grader. Elvis by the Presleys does not try to be compressive; it succeeds as a warmer, more heartfelt tribute to The King. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Everybody Loves Elvis
The Graceland staff is usually quite protective of the carefully manicured image they present of Elvis-for instance, you'll NEVER see pictures of "The King" taken after 1975, either at the Mansion, nor in any book authorized by EPE- the unspoken rule, supposedly is "'75 and holding", which refers not only to the cut-off year for the pictures of Elvis on display, but also refers to the number of pounds, "over 100" that Elvis is allowed to be, in any authorized product bearing his image. .... so, you won't see them in this Elvis Presley Enterprises produced book, either, since Priscilla Presley is at the helm. But, when it comes to being frank and forthright in the TEXT and interviews,to my delight, they let it all hang out.
For the first time, Lisa Marie Presley shares her memories of her father in great detail. From Elvis shooting out the T.V. screen (which she found, and still finds, "really funny!"), to the day he let her ride her horse INTO the HOUSE, much to Grandma "Dodger's" displeasure, to, sadly, the last thing he said to her, in the wee hours of the morning of August 16 (It was, BTW, "Go to bed", because he caught her still awake at almost 3:00am). Elvis' precious "Yeesa" answers every question and subject put to her, no surpise here, in her own brutally honest fashion.
The big surprise here is Priscilla- who opens up WAY more than she ever has, and I've seen alot of her interviews. She's always been known as "reserved" or "guarded" in the journalistic circuit- but not here! Maybe because her sister, daughter, and parents were there with her, and giving true, sometimes emotional takes on their memories of Elvis Presley, she decided to let it flow, too-- I don't know. Surprisingly, she even includes photo-copies of personal notes (from Graceland's archives)that she wrote to Elvis from Germany, once he was discharged from the Army, andback home in our Country(Elvis had saved them, all those years- awww)- and if you want to know what REALLY happened when Elvis asked her for a "trial separation", you'll find it here. I always thought that, in her auto-biography of life with the King of Rock, she took his request a little too calmly, in light of the fact that she was seven months pregnant with Lisa! She reveals here, first time ever, the tantrum she threw ("I went storming out of the room!").
The pictures are brilliant, and in the sharpest focus I've ever seen- I was tempted to cut some out, and frame them- but, logic prevailed. Some included are Elvis' real GOLD PLATED telephone, his personal wallet (along with its contents), and hand-written notes from him to members of the Memphis Mafia.
The ending is sad, pretty much like the real story is... Elvis' last known hand-written note, was not to any of his flesh and blood "men", who had almost all either been fired, written negative tell- alls,or had back-stabbed him in many other ways, but to his God: "Everybody is gone now..." he wrote, from his penthouse suite at the Hilton- in a note pilfered from his washroom trashcan by a maid and recently sold at auction. "I will try to sleep... I don't know who I can turn to anymore.. Be still, and know that I AM GOD.. Help me, oh Lord, to know the right thing..."
It was comforting (at least for me) to know that, fundamentally, Elvis never really changed. He started out as atwenty-one year old humble, lonely, God-fearing man who was trying his best to "do right"- and, he went out, twenty-one years later, the same way. This book is so intimate, it TRULY makes you feel close to Elvis- so close,in fact, you want to reach him. Reading towards the end, I found myself saying, "Your fans loved you, Elvis- WHY didn't you turn to us? We would have been there; we would have understood... because you always did the "right thing" by us; that's why we're STILL here..."

ONE OF THE BEST ELVIS FAMILY PICTURE ABLUMS!
Elvis by the Presleys, ONE OF THE BEST ELVIS FAMILY PICTURE ABLUMS!We have around 200 Elvis Presley Books and this is up in the Top Ten Elvis & Family books around.

Elivs By The Presleys
Its an enjoyable book.Good pictures, some of which I haven't seen. And also good to know the stories behind some of the pictures I have seen for years.

Elvis at twenty signing women's body parts!
Texas Poker Wisdom

I watched Elvis on his many visits to Lubbock when he was just starting out.He did not just impact these two women.He was simply the most memorable human I have ever watched autograph [..............].I just wrote an article entitled Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Joe Ely and the Cotton Club.on www.virtualubbock.comI worked with Bob Neal, Elvis' first manager.

Much is being written about Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley long after their deaths. Here in Lubbock, there is a constant battle with Maria Elena Holly, Buddy's widow.Elvis' family come off as saints by comparison.

Johnny Hughes

By the Presley's
I've read Elvis and me probably about 7 times and I never get tired of listening to this love story. Elvis by the Presley's was very interesting and I finished it in one night. I am also going to buy the dvd version and encourage anyone interested in Elvis' family life to do the same. ... Read more

Product Description
For fans of the king, the newest installment to the Up Close biography series!

Elvis Presley made a sound so different it ushered in a new kind of music: rock and roll. He was able to combine gospel, honky-tonk, country and rhythm and blues to create a unique sound that crossed racial and cultural divides. Though he was incredibly popular, at heart, Elvis was a shy and polite man, and the demands of fame began to take a toll. While his dependence on prescription drugs cut short his life, ElvisÂ’s influence on music and popular culture endures to this day. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

For my dad...
I got this book for my dad.He loves Elvis.He told me he really enjoyed it but that is about all I can say b/c I didn't read it.

Great Book
This was a really good book. I had previously purchased the "Johnny Cash Up Close" book. And although this book did not have any reviews when I purchased it, I liked the Johnny Cash Upclose. So I figured I would most likely enjoy this upclose book. I was so right. The main reason I wanted this book was because, I was going to Graceland a week before I ordered this book, and I wanted to read a book that would help me refresh my memory on Elvis's history. And boy did this book do its job. I recommend this book to anyone who is intrested in Elvis. And from only owning two Upclose books so far, I would recommend all Upclose books. This was a GREAT Book!!! ... Read more

Product Description

The truth about Elvis's death from the doctor who spent eleven years as "the King's" personal physician, father-figure, and confidant - "Dr. Nick."

Dr. Nichopoulos spent a decade with Elvis on the road and at Graceland, trying to maintain the precarious health of one of the world's greatest entertainers. But on August 16, 1977, he found himself in the ambulance with Elvis on that fateful last trip to the ER. He signed the death certificate.

From that day forward, Dr. Nick became the focus of a media witch hunt that threatened his life and all but destroyed his professional reputation. Now, for the first time, Dr. Nick reveals the true story behind Elvis's drug use and final days-not the version formed by years of tabloid journalism and gross speculation. Put aside what you've learned about Elvis's final days and get ready to understand for the first time the inner workings of "the king of rock n' roll."

Customer Reviews (46)

Well Done
I'm not going to write a long, in-depth overview of this book, since this has been done by other readers and there is also a book description at the top of the page. I will say that this account of Dr. Nick and Elvis seems to be very believable. It starts with recounting the death of Elvis and takes us through a life and friendship that is interesting and at the same time revealing in a way that only a close friend can retell.

We find here the true personality and personal trials of The King, who was also a man. We get an up-close look at his health issues, his grueling concert schedules, the demons he faced, and the kind person that he was and will remembered for.

We have all been told through the news media that the death of Elvis was blamed on heart disease, but was it something more than that? This book reveals details that may lead to other causes. The story is well-written and of interest to those who are die-hard Elvis fans. It is an eye-opener, told by a friend who evidently loved and respected him. I think Elvis would approve of this account.

Great Book!
I now understand what kind of life Elvis had.He had a lot of health problems, as well as emotional problems.Dr. Nick was wrongly accused.I remain an Elvis fan.I strongly recommend this book.

You just think you know how Elvis Presley died.
In this book you will find that Elvis Presley was not a very healthy man, his concert schedule was beyond grueling, for the most part the media sucks when covering incidents like Elvis' death, and you just think you know how Elvis died.
Dr. George Nichopoulos (a.k.a. Dr. Nick to all his beloved patients) ended up being thrown to the wolves after Elvis death and this book is the heartbreaking story about the whole unhappy mess of what happened to the doctor who tried to save one of the Kings of Rock 'n' Roll from himself, the leeches attached to Elvis, and the unscrupulous doctors who allowed fame to override their Hippocratic oath and their common sense.
Sadly, this is a must read for every Elvis fan.
Tragically, it will make you realize how very close the whole situation was to the world still having Elvis here amongst us.
I couldn't put it down.I have sent this book to two other Elvis fans and they also could not put it down.
Highly recommend this book.
p.s. Dr. Nick's family also suffered when Elvis passed away.Everyone in the Nichopoulos family was close to Elvis.They could not properly grieve for Elvis and move on to happy memories of their time with him because of what was done to Dr. Nick.
I also must mention that another King of Rock 'n' Roll plays a big part in Dr. Nick's life after the passing of Elvis.Mr. Jerry Lee Lewis gives a resoundingly positive review of this book that can be seen on the book's jacket and inside.Read the book all the way through to see why this other Rock Legend loves Dr. Nick so much.

Elvis Arron Pesley: Revalations of the Mempis Mafia
As a die hard Elvis fan, I only read books written by men who lived along side Elvis. So thiswasthe second book I bothered to read. Great informative insight into the life of Elvis. Still second to my "Elvis bible" of Elvis Aaron Presley: Revalations of the Memphis Mafia by Alanna Nash with Billy, Lamar, Marty, Red & Sonny.

Great BOOK!I lived in Memphis 4 a long time and this book is acurate!
If u like/love Elvis, and u want 2 know the reason of his death, then read Dr. Nick's account.Thanks Rose Phillips and Jud for this insightful book! ... Read more

Product Description
"Here at last is the full, true, and mesmerizing story of Elvis Presley's last two decades, in the long-awaited second volume of Peter Guralnick's masterful two-part biography.Last Train to Memphis, the first part of Guralnick's two-volume life of Elvis Presley, was acclaimed by the New York Times as "a triumph of biographical art." This concluding volume recounts the second half of Elvis' life in rich and previously unimagined detail, and confirms Guralnick's status as one of the great biographers of our time.Beginning with Presley's army service in Germany in 1958 and ending with his death in Memphis in 1977, Careless Love chronicles the unraveling of the dream that once shone so brightly, homing in on the complex playing-out of Elvis' relationship with his Machiavellian manager, Colonel Tom Parker. It's a breathtaking, revelatory drama that for the first time places the events of a too-often mistold tale in a fresh, believable, and understandable context. Elvis' changes during these years form a tragic mystery that Careless Love unlocks for the first time. This is the quint essential American story, encompassing elements of race, class, wealth, sex, music, religion, and personal transformation. Written with grace, sensitivity, and passion, Careless Love is a unique contribution to our understanding of American popular culture and the nature of success, giving us true insight at last into one of the most misunderstood public figures of our times. "Amazon.com Review
Until Peter Guralnick came out with Last Train toMemphis in 1994, most biographies of Elvis Presley--especiallythose written by people with varying degrees of access to his "innercircle"--were filled with starstruck adulation, and those that weren'tin awe of their subject invariably went out of their way to takepotshots at the rock & roll pioneer (with Albert Goldman's 1981Elvis reaching now-legendary levels of bile andcondescension). Guralnick's exploration of Elvis's childhood and riseto fame was notable for its factual rigorousness and its intimateappreciation of Presley's musical agenda.

Picking up where the first volume left off, Guralnick sees Elvisthrough his tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Germany, where he firstmet--and was captivated by--a 14-year-old girl named PriscillaBeaulieu. We may think we know the story from this point: the returnto America, the near-decade of B-movies, eventual marriage toPriscilla, a brief flash of glory with the '68 comeback, and thesurrealism of "fat Elvis" decked out in bejeweled white jumpsuits,culminating in a bathroom death scene. And while that summary isn'texactly false, Guralnick's account shows how little perspectivewe've had on Elvis's life until now, how a gross caricature of thefinal years has come to stand for the life itself. He treats everyaspect of Presley's life--including forays into spiritual mysticismand the growing dependency on prescription drugs--with dignity andcritical distance. More importantly, Careless Love continues toshow that Guralnick "gets" what Presley was trying to do as an artist:"I see him in the same way that I think he saw himself from thestart," the introduction states, "as someone whose ambition it was toencompass every strand of the American musical tradition." From rockto blues to country to gospel, Guralnick discusses how, at his finestmoments, Elvis was able to fulfill that dream. --Ron Hogan ... Read more

Customer Reviews (97)

Why did Peter Guralnick go on?
The first book, Last Train to Memphis, as long as this book was not tiring to read, it was special, exciting, raw in it's tale of Elvis. This book, the second installment and just as long is just too long, it tells the same details over and over and over. I hungered to be finished with this one because I am one of those that has to finish a book I start (I have only put3 or so down in my life without finishing). I have to admit to skimming most of the last 50 pages, I could not take it anymore..... Here is what I found, the enablers who wanted more and more from Elvis, shame on them, Elvis who wanted more and more from everyone else, shame on him. Tom Parker, probably the biggest thief of our time, he took, as he called him, the boys ambition to be a movie star and spoiled it. Maybe Elvis could have been more but Col (honorary title only) Parker spoiled that by making all of the movies the same and not finding a better script. Elvis was a weak man, he allowed himself to be lead, and when he got older and taken with his fame he just about killed those around him that loved him, he could be very cruel, he was never more than a little boy, not even a teen. Sure he was smart enough, could read and understand what he wanted but he was mean, he took (yes he gave a lot too but he did that for love and adoration, no other reason). So I suffered though this very long book which took 2 or 3 times the amount of time to read that the first one did (and not for lack of trying). It was sad to see the downfall in all areas of his life, his health (caused by himself), his reliance on pills, his impatience with almost anything, his short attention span, his lies to all around him, the way he treated woman (I am male), his inability to be alone. It adds up to a sad story about a sad boy who had everything to live for but did not know how to live a normal life. The fans did not ruin it for him, he did. His friends were not his friends, hard to know who really loved him, male or female. I believe when he was younger the woman loved him because of who he was, and later they took pity on him. He bought people, he had no idea about money, it came to easy, his manager was a control freak who did not help "his boy", he hurt him. A great talent that just let himself spiral out of control, and nobody wanted to say anything because they knew as Elvis grew more and more into his IMAGE that they might find themselves on the outside looking in. The games he played with people...Not a man that I could respect.... what he did to Scotty Moore who is too much the gentleman to kiss and tell (at least from what I know). So do yourself a favor, read the first book and skip this one, unless you want to torture yourself a bit, unless you need to know all, unless you are such a fan you need to know it all. How much is the real story, I don't know but I have a feeling with this book there is probably more truth than fiction.And how does one go from knowing how to dress and look good to wearing costumes not fit for a king or anyone else for that matter. Now for the first time in too long to go and read something funny, I need a break.

A Behind the Scenes Glimpse
This book was very detailed in the events of Elvis' life post army and until his death; he led a fascinating life and this book gives you an in depth look. However, it was so detailed that certain parts became very boring, such as the financial details of his performance engagements. Overall though, it was quite good. Even if you aren't a huge Elvis fan, this book was very insightful, especially on his downfalls including his prescription drug addiction, diminished record sales and movie credibility, and his many women. You almost feel like you were there getting to witness the greatness of this legend and suffer the pain of his heartbreaks with him.

Engrossing & illuminating
Guralnick allows the readers to connect the dots by themselves, unlike most of the other authors, and he didn't judge Elvis. The space this gave me to form my own opinions made it worth the time & effort to read the two lengthy volumes.

Some of things I learned about Elvis were surprising & inspiring & reinforced my feeling that he was a regular guy faced with extreme challenges. At the core of it, he was an overprotected child who never got whole. Everyone knows someone like that, or maybe is someone like that, so you can understand how hard it is to free yourself from what has shaped your life.

I suspect that, like Elvis' musical legacy, this book will become a classic.

A CLASS ACT!!!
What makes this book outstanding, is a sincere and very knowledgeable recital of the "Elvis Presley story."

Insightful, compassionate, understanding, thorough: the BEST!!

The definitive story about the King
It's true this is indeed a sad story and if you are an Elvis fan you've heard it all before.But Mr. Guralnick's treatment on the subject is in my opinion the most honest and respectful.Elvis was human but he was a remarkably humble and talented human.I have always admired Elvis and after reading this book I admire him even more.There was some tarnish on the King's crown near the end, but the love never ended.His love of the music, his love for his fans and their love in return.RIP Elvis and thank you Peter Guralnick for writing this book. ... Read more

Product Description
18 of the King's best for easy-level guitar, including: All Shook Up * Blue Suede Shoes * Hound Dog * Heartbreak Hotel *(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear * and more. ... Read more

Product Description
Who on the planet doesn't know that Elvis Presley gave electrifying performances and enthralled millions? Who doesn't know that he was the King of Rock 'n' Roll? But who knows that the King himself lived in the thrall of one dominant person?

This was Gladys Smith Presley, his protective, indulgent, beloved mother.

Elvis and Gladys, one of the best researched and most acclaimed books on Elvis's early life, reconstructs the extraordinary role Gladys played in her son's formative years.

Uncovering facts not seen by other biographers, Elvis and Gladys reconstructs for the first time the history of the mother and son?s devoted relationship and reveals new information about Elvis---his Cherokee ancestry, his boyhood obsession with comic books, and his early compulsion to rescue his family from poverty.

Coming to life in the compelling narrative is the poignant story of a unique boy and the maternal tie that bound him. It is at once an intimate psychological portrait of a tragic relationship and a mesmerizing tale of the early years of an international idol.

"For once, a legend is presented to us by the mind and heart of a literate, careful biographer who cares," wrote Liz Smith in the New York Daily News when Elvis and Gladys was originally published in 1985. This is the book, Smith says, "for any Elvis lover who wants to know more about what made Presley the man he was and the mama's boy he became."

The Boston Globe called this thoughtful, informative biography of one of popular music's most enduring stars "nothing less than the best Elvis book yet." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

The Best Elvis Book Ever
I read this book when it was first published and treasure it because it was so well researched and written with such understanding. The author a lady from a very different world seemed to understand and put into words the life these people endured as "poor white trash" I hate using that expression but that is exactly how it was for them and so many others who didn't have the blessing of a golden child.

Elvis is a legend for the music but for certain people he is even more because of where he came from and the incredible dark fairy tale that was his life. This is the most important Elvis book any fan or stranger will ever read.

ELVIS PRESLEY...the Original Fan Boy
This is one truly cool book about one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century.It delves into some of the things from his early life that shaped him into the man who became known as the "king of rock and roll".To me one of the coolest things about Elvis,and something nobody examined until this book came out,was the fact that he was a member of the first generation of comic book readers.Unlike the first edition of this book there are no photos and illustrations here,so unless you're a comic book geek you can't really see how much Elvis was influenced by Captain Marvel Jr.That's one of the things I've always thought was so cool about Presley.The fact that deep down inside,despite all his success,he was one of us at heart.A man who dug comic books,pro wrestling,beauty pageant winners,cadillacs and all things American.I recommend this book to all fans of the "king".

Elvis and Gladys
Great read on Presley history.Nice to see the relationship that Elvis had with his mother.It's a sad ending but a good read overall.

A Different Biography
This book is truly welcome from the myriad of Elvis books that repeat the same stories and don't give any new substance to this legend named Elvis.
Finally a book that explores his roots and early history.It is written with compassion and was researched extensively.There is a part of this history that seems to go on too long, but it's worth getting through it because it does get interesting again and even gets better the more you read.This is not the end-all in Elvis biographies, but it will help you understand where he came from and learn some truth behind the reported myths.For instance, Elvis didn't go to Sun Records to record a song for his Mom's birthday.He wanted to get discovered!Many more truths come out.Elvis's maternal grandma was Jewish.That had to be kept secret in the south.
Beside this book, I recommend If I Can Dream, Last Train to Memphis and Jerry Schilling's book.

Gladys was the reason Elvis became the King
the Presleys were poor.no -- they were POOR.

his father Vernon borrowed $180 from the landowner to build the house Elvis was born in.five years later in 1938 (when Elvis was 3), with the loan still not fully repaid, the landowner evicted the Presleys.

as Elvis himself said of their leaving Tupelo for Memphis in 1948, "We were broke man -- broke."

even in Memphis, where WWII had brought better times, the Presleys would often do odd jobs for neighboring black families, just to have enough to eat.

as can be seen from school photos taken at the time, though his classmates had regular clothes for that period, "Elvis's first 'jump suit' was a pair of overalls."

but, as his fifth grade teacher (a niece of the landowner who had evicted the Presleys) later said, "There is something nice about everyone.There is everything nice about Elvis."

Hill and Range was the music publishing company that Elvis did business with from age 20 until his death at age 42.its owner, Jean Aberbach, stated without qualification, "Elvis was the finest human being I've ever met."

the thrust of this excellent book by Elaine Dundy (who died last year) is that no matter how poor they were, Gladys was determined to raise Elvis to be the finest human being anyone who ever met him had ever met.

"Elvis never forgot his raisin'."(Cousin Annie Presley)
... Read more

Product Description
Untold stories, candid photographs, and personal memories fill the pages of this ultimate tribute to the king of rock-'n'-roll. From anecdotes about Elvis's high-school years from friend Jimmy Angel to the personal memories of Elvis's best friend, Jerry Schilling, about the Christmas of 1975 and Elvis's cousin Edie Hand's childhood memories of their summertime family reunions, this book is a must-have for fans and collectors of Elvis memorabilia.

This collection features contributions from Elvis's friends and family members, country music star Ronnie McDowell's original paintings, and dozens of remarkable pictures by Al Wertheimer. Highlights include the entries from Pat Boone; Louise Smith, widow of Elvis's cousin Gene; and the never-before-told story of the exclusive 1956 interview disc jockey Charles Watts recorded with Elvis and his mother, Gladys, and father, Vernon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Love the artwork
The writing & stories I've heard while Ronnie was on George Klein's Friday SIRIUS satellite radio show, but some of the artwork....WOW!! I have two of the prints/poster sized, bought from Ronnie's website. I only wish he'd have the others for sale. I also wish the book was sized larger - like maybe 11x17 size pages vs. the pocket size it comes in. It is well worth the purchase price for any true Elvis fan.

Fabulous little book
I really enjoyed this little book.Having been an Elvis fan over 50 years, I thought I had read everything about the man, but this book has very personal stories which are lovely to read.Gives a real insight into a very humble and genuine man, which is not very often portrayed.Highly recommended.

Wouldn't waste the money
Over a big disappointment.

The book was a lot smaller and thinner than I expected.

many of the quotes (it's overly generous to call them stories when they mostly don't go over a small page) weren't from people who knew Elvis - they were often by people who just a meet or a wanted to meet Elvis.

No rare or new photos - and yes, there are new photos of Elvis surfacing all the time.

I couldn't help but think that this was more about Ronnie and his paintings than Elvis.


If you're a super hardcore collector, this is for you, I suppose

As a mere hardcore collector myself, this isn't something I would have put on my shelf if I had seen it in the store first.

The Geniuine Elvis, The : Photos and Untold Stories about the KIng
I love this book on Elvis. I love learning about Elvis. I recommend this book to all Elvis fans. Wonderful value.

It's okay
I thought Ronnie was writing this entire book, however, it is a blurp from different people. Perhaps I did
not read the info about it close enough. I have seen some of the pictures before, however, some I had not.
I was not aware that Ronnie was an artist. WOW, can he paint! And, I have always enjoyed his singing. The book
is worth the price. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Could This Be The Authentic Elvis?
I first picked up this book in the mid 90's and just picked it up once again to reread it after 15 years. Since the first time, I have read nearly 50 books on Elvis and found that there's a common theme amongst every "inside" person that pens a bio about him. Don't get me wrong, I understand that a person can only write from the perspective that in which they experienced being with Elvis but sometimes it's very obvious that certian members are playing the "Elvis liked me the best" card. Geller at times displays that but never to the level that Joe Esposito or a few of the Graceland insiders did in their books.

The book itself is very well written and narration of the story is very clear. Larry starts out explaining just a brief synpopsis of his own life and background before taking us to the place that lead him into Elvis' world (via Alan Fortas). He's very candid about his experiences with Elvis' Memphis Mafia and how they disliked him from the beginning. He also details many chapters about his constant fueds with Colonel Parker. All along, Geller paints Elvis as an innocent guy who just wants to expand his creativity and find his true self. My confusion started early in the book when I found myself asking, "What are Geller's beliefs?". This question is important because to me, even though he named off many books and faiths that Elvis explored, it was never truly answered and left a hole to know what Elvis really saw in Geller beyond just a guy that was open to many possible answers.

Geller was very open to claim that many of the pre-conceived notions about Elvis' spiritual life are very inaccurate. To the average fan, Elvis was a southern Protestant Christian that loved Jesus and would have gone to church if he had the opportunity. Larry disspells this theory by claiming that in fact Elvis DID NOT think Jesus was the Son of God (even though he believed in him) and went on to explain further that he did not approve of the fundamental orthodox teachings of the Christian church since they were only the beginning of the story. If Geller is right, then the marketing that Graceland is doing is false and the fans have it all wrong but if he instead is wrong, then Geller (I suspect somewhat) projects through this book what he wanted Elvis to be instead of listening to who he truly was. Do I think he's a liar? No, but I will say that this story, at the bvery least, gives us a good insight to believe that Elvis thought beyond just the normal Bible Study of Christians. By reaction of the bodyguards in other interviews I have seen, I would have to say that Geller definitely had Elvis reading many "way out there" books.

As far as Elvis goes, it surprised me (not only in this book) how self-destructive he was. He had such a level of genius in him that there was no way for him to exist but to swing the pendulum the other way. Geller explains an instance in 1976 where Elvis is vacationing in Hawaii and ordered 6 banana splits during the morning hours, feasting on them one after another. In the end it seemed that Geller himself even gave up. As he said towards the end of his book, if he left he could only wait for the call but if he stayed, at least there was a chance to help.

The book is excellent to read and provides great insight into Elvis' spiritual and personal life. If Geller tells us the truth, then we were given a glimpse into the real Elvis that no other book has given or could give.

This is THE BOOK to read about Elvis
If you really want to know what Elvis was like, what he cared most about, how he actually got so hyper-medicated (it's not what you think) and what he was dying of (again, brace yourself) then this is the book for you!Wonderfully written and a page-turner for anyone who likes a good biography, mystery or history book.Do yourself and Elvis a favor and read this--don't let Priscilla (and Scientology) have the last word on a man who was a true American original.Honor his memory and buy this book!You'll be very glad you did.

Quite interesting
Like a lot of Elvis fans, I have read most of the books written by "insiders".One common theme seems to be "we were all having fun with Elvis until that (deleted) Larry started getting into his head.So I thought I should read (deleted) Larry's account of things.Glad I did.If it's all true, the Elvis story almost had a much happier ending.

If I Can Dream
This book is a tender account of the life of Elvis by someone appearently close to him.With candor the goal of an honest portrayl, the author gives glimpses into the real life of Elvis.No one will ever know the whole story, but those interested in a more unbiased tome will enjoy.I especially like how the author focuses on the spiritual side of Elvis.His spiritual side is the most touching.

Interesting
This was a good read. It didnt go as much into Elvis' spiritual search as I would have liked. I have always appreciated Larry Geller's part in Elvis' search. I am glad that in Elvis' final days that Larry was with him to support and help guide him. Alot of the material in the beginning was in other Elvis books that I own, but the rest of the book was really touching.The highlight for me was the list of books that Larry said that he had given Elvis. They are worth checking out and so is this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Caught In A Trap Book
This book was very balanced and well-written.I admire Rick's honesty and transparency about Elvis' life as well as his own life.During the last several months, I've been studying the life of Elvis, and this book clearly depicted Elvis' lifelong struggle between spiritual darkness and light, and his never-ending desire to know who he was, to know his God, and to keep returning to the Gospel music he loved.Rick does a beautiful job presenting Elvis' life, not in a judgmental fashion, but through the eyes of grace.An unexpected adding blessing was that Rick had signed the book!I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know who the real Elvis was.

Caught in a Trap : Elvis Presley's Tragic Lifelong Search for Love
Any book by Rick Stanley about Elvis is a winner. Rick Stanley is Elvis 1/2 brother and is now a man of the Lord. He loves the Lord and wants everyone to find peace through finding the Lord. Elvis reaffirmed his life to the Lord around 6 months b/4 he died.Elvis was saved when he was young. We are all sinners, however, if you trust in the Lord ONLY and accept Him and not man, you will go to heaven. Read this man's books!!

Caughtin a Trap: Elvis Presley's Tragic Lifelong Search For Love.
I have finished this book. I really enjoyed reading this one. Very informative. Honest recollection of the life of a wonderful man, Elvis Presley.

Caught In A Trap
I do not own this book but i own many others and i have to disagree about Elvis being on drugs and imagining The Beatles at Graceland. I'm sorry but the Beatles was there i don't know where Ricky Stanley is coming from but it seems to me when you write a book on someone as Iconic as Elvis you better have your facts straight. I do not purchase books written by family members they have a way of stretching the truth.

Easy Elvis read
short read, but interesting. Stanley is quoted as stating The Beatles visited Graceland, perhaps the drugs he was taking kicked in and made him believe that at the time, but it never happend at Graceland.
All in all this is a good book, however Stanley could have gone into some more stories, or more in depth.
An easy read. calling Elvis "Brother" seems to be an exageration according to other Elvis books I read. I never heard anyone else ever say Elvis referred to the Stanley guys as "Brothers".
... Read more

Product Description
For the first time, the complete story of Elvis Presley's recording career is told in this remarkable book.With exclusive access to the RCA vaults, producer Ernst Jorgensen brings to intimate life every moment that Elvis spent in the studio--from the spontaneous joy of his early sessions to the intensely creative periods of his later career.At once the definitive recording session guide and a compellingly readable narrative, this is the ultimate companion to the singer and his songs. AUTHORBIO: Ernst Jorgensen produced many RCA Elvis box sets, for which he was nominated for a Grammy Award.He lives in Denmark. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Elvis Presley:A Life in Music
Elvis was drafted into the U.S. Army in March, 1958. He received a deferment to finish King Creole, considered by critics to be his best film. The draft was a reality in the 1950s. Young men were expected to serve their country and relished the opportunity. Elvis did his basic training at Fort Hood in Texas. While he was in basic, his mother died. Elvis never fully recovered from her death. He was in armor and worked with tanks. He got orders for Germany. In Germany, Elvis met 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu. She became his wife and the mother of his daughter. Elvis' two years in the Army were something he and his fans remained proud of. Despite fame, he was not given special treatment. He pulled K.P.

Elvis was discharged in March, 1960. Music had changed. It had calmed down. Elvis' first record as a civilian was Stuck On You. Its sexual edge took it to number one. It's Now Or Never Came out that summer. It was operatic and proved Elvis could sing. Having served in the Army and mellowed, he appealed to older people. He starred in G.I. Blues with Juliet Prowse.

Part two of Elvis' career began. These were the movies years. Viva Las Vegas did well because of Ann-Margret. Elvis' manager, Tom Parker, controlled everything and saw "his boy" as a money-making machine. As long as the movies made money, they ground them out. Each was worse than the one before it. Elvis resembled a cardboard cut-out as The Beatles redefined rock music. Elvis and Priscilla married in 1967. Their daughter, Lisa Marie, was born 9 months later.

The Elvis Music Bible
This is a catalog of ALL of the songs that Elvis ever recorded.Some of the of the other reviewers wrote that it is JUST about the music.But, in fact, there is a lot of commentary about things that were going on in Elvis' life during the recordings, too.So, this is a great chronology of his personal life that went along with the recordings.This is somewhat unique for books about Elvis, because while you read that this happened or that happened, it is hard to put it all on timeline.The bonus with this book is that there are a whole string of new people that you learn about, because you hear about the record company staff, the recording artists, and other people related to the production of his albums and even his movies.But, on top of everything, the music is ALL here!

Not the masterpiece it could've been...
This book started off so good that I couldn't put it down.The author leaves no stone unturned in the 50's.Everything you wanted to know about how Elvis, the colonel, and RCA went about their business is there in black and white.You find out how and why every recording was recorded.You'll feel like you were there in the studio with Elvis and also behind the desk in the colonel's office.

But come 1961 or '62 this book starts slipping big time, especially pursuant to Elvis' movie recordings.Whereas for the 50's the author wrote paragraph after paragraph detailing each recording session, for certain 60's sessions all he did was give the statistics (song, publisher, catalog number, etc.)Near the end of the 60's and on into the 70's the author gets back on track and gives us plenty of background.But I can't help but be disappointed with approximately 1962-1966.

The Elvis Bible A Must Have
of all the 1,000 of volumes written about the life of Elvis,this collection....A Life In Music,stands alone as the best and really the only must have.It chronicles every Elvis recording session from his start at sun to the very end of his career.It takes you inside every session and gets you,in a sense,inside the mind of the greatest songman ever.This is the Elvis Bible and I absolutely love mine.It is the definitive work on Elvis.

Essential Elvis
Great book. Honest - not sleazy, not pandering. The sessions are fascinating, the studio people and musicians that mattered get their dues and the hard slog behind making it all sound so good, (as well as the causes behind the otherwise inexplicable trash) becomes clear. This one's for the music. ... Read more

Product Description
An amazing collection of 59 hits from The King with simply the lyrics and guitar chords. Includes: All Shook Up · Always on My Mind · Are You Lonesome Tonight? · Blue Suede Shoes · Burning Love · Can't Help Falling in Love · Don't Be Cruel (To a Heart That's True) · Heartbreak Hotel · Hound Dog · In the Ghetto (The Vicious Circle) · It's Now or Never · Jailhouse Rock · Kentucky Rain · Love Me Tender · Return to Sender · Suspicious Minds · (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear · That's All Right · Viva Las Vegas · and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Nice addition to your music songbook library.
This is a real handy quick reference book with many of the King's hits. It is a paperback sized book that you can actually tuck in your guitar case and take with you. I recommend this book.

Excellent Guitar Chord Songbook
The Elvis Presley Guitar Chord Songbook contains 59 songs showing the guitar chords to play the best Elvis Presley Songs on guitar from his early years to the last song he recorded WAY DOWN 1977. The development process of this song book teaches you to play Elvis Presley songs on guitar as a stand alone band. The guitar chord changes sound GREAT on a single guitar, for example, HIS LATEST FLAME, ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT, BURNING LOVE, DON'T CRY DADDY. I give this guitar song book 5 STARS. ... Read more

Product Description

More than thirty years after his death, Elvis Presley remainsindelibly etched into the American psyche. As the Elvis ofmyth--an embodiment of the American Dream in the flesh--hasbecome synonymous with Elvis the man, the subject of countlessbooks, articles and songs, it has become increasingly hard todiscern who Elvis really was. By combining obsessive researchwith absorbing writing, Adam Victor, author of the bestsellingThe Marilyn Encyclopedia, sifts through the competing versionsof events throughout Elvis's life and traces a young man's pathto immortality. The Elvis Encyclopedia, the product of years ofresearch, was created to help bring order to the massive amount ofmaterial written about Elvis Presley. In doing so, it stands as themost comprehensive book about his extraordinary life and legacyever published.

The Elvis Encyclopedia is also a visual compendium of Elvis'slife, offering hundreds of photographs, ranging from never-beforeseenunposed moments to the extraordinary iconic images theworld has come to love.

With this definitive one-stop resource, fans and scholars finallyhave easy access to all of the information on Elvis's life and times,testing what is real against legend. The facts are represented infull--a childhood mired in poverty, his unstoppable rise to the topwith over 150 gold, platinum, or multi-platinum albums, 31 featurefilms, and 14 Grammy awards, his marriage to Priscilla, hisearly death. Entries cover every significant aspect of Elvis and hisworld from family members, lovers, benefactors, mentors, agents,directors, co-stars, and coaches.

Complete with cross-referencing and a comprehensive bibliography,The Elvis Encyclopedia surpasses everything that has comebefore it. It is a true testament to the legend that is Elvis Presley.

Customer Reviews (9)

A must
A great must for every Elvis fan and everybody who wants an inside view of Elvis.

THE ELVIS ENCYCLOPEDIA
OF ALL THE BOOKS I'VE BOUGHT ON ELVIS, THIS ONE OUT DOES ALL THE REST. I GOT THIS BOOK YESTERDAY AND CAN'T PUT IT DOWN! THIS IS NOT ONLY INFORMATIVE BUT VERY ENJOYABLE READING. ALL THE OTHER BOOKS ON ELVIS CAN BE BORING IN PARTS, SOMETIMES A LOT OF PARTS! BUT THIS BOOK IS DONE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER, WITH THE TOPIC LISTED RIGHT ABOVE THAT ARTICLE. IF THAT TOPIC ISN'T SOMETHING YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT, JUST PASS IT BY!. HOW EASY IS THAT!! I DEBATED FOR AWHILE ABOUT THE PRICE, HAD I'VE KNOWN THIS BOOKWAS GOING TO BE SO GOOD I WOULD HAVE NEVER GIVEN THE PRICE A SECOND THOUGHT. YES IT INCLUDES LUCY DE BARBIN AND HER SAYING SHE HAD ELVIS'S LOVE CHILD. AND JOYCE BOVA'S STORY OF HER CLAIM OF ABORTING ELVIS'S CHILD. IT DOESN'T LEAVE ANY STONE UNTURNED! DON'T MISS THE CHANCE TO REALLY GET TO KNOW THE KING. THERE IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ON EVERY PAGE!! PETER GURALNICK 2 BOOK STORY OF ELVIS AT TIMES THAT BOOK JUST SEEMED TO DRAG, AND IF HE WROTE ABOUT SOMETHING WE ALREADY KNEW BECAUSE IT WAS COMMON KNOWLEDGE, YOU'D THINK HOW LONG IS HE GOING TO ON THIS SUBJECT! THIS BOOK YOU CAN'T HELP BUT SMILE IN A LOT OF PARTS. AND THE STORY TELLER DOESN'T DRAG THE STORY ON. IT'S SUBJECTS ARE SHORT & COMPLETE! IF YOU'VE EVER READ "GONE WITH THE WIND" FOR PAGES ON END MARGARET MITCHELL WOULD DESCRIBE THE DRESSES THAT THEY WERE WEARING IN THAT SCENE AND WOULD DRAG OUT DESCRIBING THE SETTINGS OF THAT SCENE. HER BOOK WAS THICK ONLY BECAUSE OF THAT!! AND HER BOOK WAS VERY BORING IN A LOT OF THOSE PPAGES! WELL THIS IS A ONE BOOK THAT IS NOT BORING AT ALL!! LET'S JUST SAY THE AUTHOR CUTS TO THE CHASE! I CAN TELL YOU THIS BOOK DOESN'T DRAG ON LIKE MY INTERPRETATION OF THE BOOK!THIS BOOK IS 598 PAGES AND 3 COLUMNS PER PAGE, AND I'M NOT TALKING BIG PRINT. IT'S ALL ABOUT ELVIS ( AND NOTHING PLEASES ME MORE THEN READING ABOUT THIS WONDERFUL MAN)AND TO KEEP THE BOOK DOWN IN SIZE THERE ARE NO BORING FOOTNOTES TO LOOK AT.
PRINCESS DIANA IS REMEMBERED FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS SHE HAS DONE, WELL ARE KING (ELVIS) HAS PROBABLY DONE MORE! I NEVER HEARD OF THE HOUSE OF WINDSOR GIVING SO MUCH OF THEIR OWN MONEY FOR CHARITY, HELL THEY WERE UPSET BECAUSE THEY WERE FINALLY GOING TO HAVE TO PAY TAXES! AND OUR KING PAID WILLINGLY HIS TAXES! I THINK IF MORE PEOPLE FOLLOWED THE SAME PHILOSPHY AS ELVIS. (WHERE HE GAVE HIS MONEY TO HELP OTHERS, INSTEAD OF WANTING TO KNOW WHAT OTHERS COULD DO FOR HIM) WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU GAVE AWAY MONEY TO HELP SOMEONE ELSE?THE WORLD WOULD BE A MUCH NICER PLACE TO LIVE IN.

I found several mistatements after a brief perusal
--In a photo from the set of "Love Me Tender" Richard Egan is identified as George Hamilton.

--The plot outline of "King Creole" includes several mistatements, about the finale in particular.

--The plot outline for "Paradise Hawaiin Style" is incorrect about how the helicopter keys were lost.

--A photo of Elvis with some bikini clad dancing girls is said to be a scene from the movie "Follow That Dream";I don't remember any such girls from that particular movie.

--The caption of the famous photo of Elvis rehearsing with the hound dog for the Steve Allen show implies that the photo is from the broadcast itself.

After encountering these questionable items within minutes of opening the book, I feared too much else would be unrealiable, so decided not to purchase the book, despite the many good photos, and apparent plethora of information.Also, the print is miniscule, although I admit it had to be to get everything in one volume.

I speak as a long time Elvis fan who values complete accuracy, especially in a book that aspires to be definitive.

Pairing hundreds of photos - many unseen and unposed - with a survey of all the information available about his life
Over 210 color photos and an equal amount of black-and-white images appear in an oversized tribute, The Elvis Encyclopedia. It creates a visual collection of his life, pairing hundreds of photos - many unseen and unposed - with a survey of all the information available about his life and achievements. From his poverty childhood to his rise to fame, The Elvis Encyclopedia is an outstanding, comprehensive tribute. If only one Elvis book were to be chosen for a collection, this one winds hands-down over competitors.

This book is great
I ordered this for my Father in law (I'm not a big Elvis fan). I looked through it and loved it. It tells you everything! I learned so much I didn't know about Elvis. I now understand why he has so many true fans. ... Read more

Product Description
A must for every Elvis fan, this awesome collection assembles his best romantic songs, such as: Always on My Mind * Are You Lonesome Tonight? * Can't Help Falling in Love * For the Good Times * Good Luck Charm * The Hawaiian Wedding Song * It's Impossible * It's Now or Never * Let It Be Me * Love Me Tender * Spanish Eyes * Suspicious Minds * Unchained Melody * You Don't Know Me * and many more! Includes an introductory article. ... Read more