| |
Elvis Presley Walk A Mile In My Shoe
By Otto Fuchs
- Book Review by Nigel Patterson, April 2025
|
Book Review
Elvis Presley: Walk A Mile In My Shoes
by Otto Fuchs
Austin Macauley Publishers, 2023, HB, Not illustrated, 378pp, ISBN-13: 978-1398417168
Reviewed by Nigel Patterson, April 2025
“During his early years, somewhere between 1954 and 1960, Elvis still had the unbounded power and the proletary charm of the southern boy. With that he was the man of the hour, the one who enriched America’s prude Entertainment industry with sexuality and new sexual phantasies………In these early years, he became one of the leaders for youth rebellion. That at the end, he was not capable of living with fame and fortune, live up to being an icon and an idol, does not disturb his fans – for them he was and will always remain Elvis Presley.” ~~Otto Fuchs
Every so often a great release, be it music, DVD or book, slips through the cracks and is missed by reviewers on the major Elvis websites and social media pages.
In 2023, a book that joined the vast Elvis library, but was generally ignored by the Elvis world, was Otto Fuchs’ intriguing musings about aspects of the Elvis Presley story…... Elvis Presley: Walk A Mile in My Shoes.
The 15 discrete chapters are eclectic, ranging across Elvis a living superstar, the Elvis alive conspiracy, and Elvis and law enforcement, to Elvis and Priscilla, Elvis’ films, and Elvis the man. Other subjects discussed are the ’68 Comeback and Aloha from Hawaii TV specials, where were you when Elvis died, the Elvis sound, and Elvis on the road.
The chapters read as if they are a compilation of some of the author’s writings over a period of time.
Some readers will be surprised that Fuchs includes a chapter on the Elvis is alive conspiracy story. The motivation for this is revealed in the preface to the book:
“It was also something of a surprise picking up the book “The Elvis Files – Is Elvis Alive?” by Gail Brewer Giorgio which first got me acquainted with Orion.” - Fuchs recounts how he later saw the “masked Lone-Ranger type singer” live at the Pyramid in Vosendorf, near Vienna.
Other elements from several conspiracy or fanciful tales permeate the book. Lucy de Barbin who claims a two-decade affair with Elvis (resulting in the birth of their daughter, Desiree), has a role in one chapter, while in another, “the Fraternity”, the crime syndicate that tried to fleece Elvis and Vernon in a scam airplane deal (while this was true, the Fraternity also became an important part of the Elvis is alive conspiracy theory, particularly peddled by Gail Brewer-Giorgio* and the Presley Commission).
(*See more on Gail Brewer-Giorgio, who recently died in 2025, in 'Elvis Book News')
Those unfamiliar with the “Fraternity” and the FBI case, “Operation Fountain Pen”, will be likely fascinated by the author’s narrative, as this excerpt suggests:
The government stated in its letter confirming that there was an undercover agent in Elvis Presley’s band the following: “Mr Presley was not actively involved in any of the investigations, his assistance in this regard made it possible for our agent to develop a number of quality investigations” (during the period from 1974 throughout 1976.
Part of the chapter, Where Were You When Elvis Presley Died? (taken from the work of legendary music critic, Lester Bangs), is not what its title suggests. While it starts out with the question it, consistent with Bangs’ work, pivots into a discussion of Zoot suits, Spivs, Cosh Boys, Edwardians, Teddy Boys, Rock Around the Clock, Teddy Girls, Punks vs Teds, and more. After this detour, it returns to the titular question with “answers” from many fans, before Fuchs presents (who many fans revile) Albert Goldman’s detailed account of the events on the day that Elvis died. Goldman’s clearly biased and dramatic narrative is as repugnant a read in 2025 as it was on its original publication in 1981!
Many of Fuchs’ points are thought-provoking. They regularly point to deeper socio-cultural issues that often contextualise music, be it classical or popular:
“Elvis hit the nose of America with the fact that he had hips, which categorised asking remained unfulfilled. Lenny Bruce showed us how you can go in a repressive society and how it allowed one to dos o. While Elvis put hits like “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window” away and substituted them with “Let’s fuck”. Under this storm, we still swagger.”
In the final parts of the chapter, Elvis The Man, an excerpt from Larry Geller’s book, If I Can Dream, describing the last time he saw Elvis (August 15, 1977), is confronting:
“I hadn’t seen Elvis in six weeks, and when I saw him I was horrified. He walked through the front door and stopped in the foyer, about fifteen feet from where I was standing in the dining-room in the doorway. He removed his glasses and shook his head from side to side. He never said a word, but the look he gave me spoke volumes. I saw fear and pain. He put his sunglasses back on, then with Ginger at his side slowly ascended the staircase to his room. I’d seen him in bad shape before but nothing like this.”
Given its nature, Walk A Mile In My Shoes is non-linear, the narrative flicking backwards and forwards in time consistent with the subject matter of each chapter. The author exercises liberal use of passages from the various texts listed in the book’s Bibliography. This is similar to many academic texts where the inclusion of extensive writings/findings by other researchers are used to illustrate particular points or highlight issues in the author’s interpretation of the subject.
The book is available in hardback, softcover and Kindle editions.
Conclusion:
Elvis Presley: Walk A Mile In My Shoes is a different sort of Elvis book. Its diverse subject matter means each chapter is different in topic(s) and tone than those preceding and following it. That provides a freshness and to quote the title of a popular Elvis album, the book offers Something for Everybody.
About the author
Otto Fuchs is a seasoned and well-credentialed writer. His biography includes, “ Otto Fuchs was born on May 13th, 1978 in Austria. He discovered a deep passion for rock & roll while still in his early teens. At fourteen years old, he becomes the youngest writer for the German “Rock & Roll Music Magazine“
From 2000-2004 he hosted “The Rocket 88 Show” for KRKT 99.1 FM Rock It Radio, Ventura, California. He has a degree in Journalism from the Austrian Humboldt Studies Institute and is currently gaining qualifications in Music Journalism at the London School of Journalism. He holds an International Press Card from the International Federation of Journalists.”
Fuchs is also a rockabilly and Bill Haley (& His Comets) tragic, having written numerous well-regarded books and magazine articles on those subjects.
For book samples and more information go to...
Amazon US Hardcover - Paperback - Kindle <<- ->> Amazon UK Hardcover - Paperback
Comment on this Review
Book Review by Nigel Patterson.
-Copyright EIN April 2025
EIN Website content © Copyright the Elvis Information Network.
 |
(Book Review): Elvis How Great Thou Art – An Immersive Biography (Lee Jackson): This new biography is distinguished by its use of QR codes which when scanned link to additional information about specific subjects or to related music recordings.
The book description explains...
.. This biography delves into the remarkable life of Elvis, exploring his family background, music career, films, and enduring legacy. Includes QR-Codes for an immersive reading experience.
The author has transformed this biography into an interactive experience like never before. By integrating QR codes throughout the book, readers can instantly access videos and other multimedia content on their mobile devices. This innovative approach makes the biography not just informative but also engaging, immersive, and dynamic, bringing Elvis's story to life in a whole new way.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson spent a leisurely Sunday immersing himself in Lee Jackson’s account of the Elvis Presley story.
.. Read Nigel’s review
(Book Review, Source: EIN) |
 |
(Book Review) Elvis - The King of Fashion (Lorraine Gibson): This recent book release by award-winning journalist, Lorraine Gibson, is a biography infused with Elvis’ iconic fashion sense.
The book's description includes.. Elvis' extraordinary story, told through a fashion lens, celebrates the shy, lonely boy who awakened an entire generation to forbidden fruits.
The defiant hair, the sultry good looks, the gender-ambivalent outfits - even the famous sideburns of the man who would be King - are all considered in loving detail.
From impoverished scamp and teenage anti-heroin pink, through Hollywood heartthrob and sensual leather-clad rock star, to caped superhero in Vegas jumpsuits, the author describes his clothes with as much joy as she does his journey through the decades.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson, replete with blue suede shoes, paisley shirt and polarised sunglasses, took time out to read Ms Gibson’s entertaining release.
Read Nigel’s full review
(Book Review, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork) |
 |
(Book Review) Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books (Nigel Patterson): Respected Elvis author and reviewer, Gordon Minto, recently put on his reviewer’s cap to take on what he rightly describes as “a strange landscape” of how Elvis is portrayed in comic books (aka sequential art), a subject, which until now, has not been well covered or understood.
The book in question, Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books, was written by EIN’s Nigel Patterson and sublimely designed by Elvis Day By Day’s, Kees Mouwen.
The book includes stunning artwork from a number of releases and an eclectic variety of Elvis related comic book ephemera. Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books features more than 600 images!
Read Gordon’s detailed review to discover why he found the book to be “refreshingly different, extremely eye-catching, well-researched and well-written, while offering a new slant on things”.
(Book Review, Source: Gordon Minto;ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
(Book Review) 'Fact vs. Fiction in the 2022 ELVIS Movie' (Trina Young): EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently sat down to read Trina Young’s fourth book about Elvis. Given its core intent, Fact vs. Fiction in the 2022 ELVIS Movie is not a standard narrative, but rather, an illuminating treatise assessing degrees of fact and fiction in what was the most successful non-franchise movie of 2022, Baz Luhrmann’s spectacular assault on your visual and auditory senses, ELVIS.
For the core section of the book, Ms Young rates each scene based on four different criteria (note that for each scene it's time in the film is included). The author then provides narrative details for each of the last three criteria, the Storyline information often running to several pages. Her ratings for historical accuracy (truth) can be truly enthralling.
Read Nigel’s 1,750-word review
(Book Review, Source: ElvisInformationNetwork) |
 |
Book Review: 8mm Elvis - The Story of Elvis on 8mm': Long before the days of Bluray, DVD and VHS people watched home movies on 8mm film.
'8mm Elvis The Forgotten Format' is a glossy, colour, hardback book cataloguing the history of Elvis on 8mm film.
Author Vince Wright has been collecting all the Elvis 8mm he could find since the 80s.
He explained.. “I was cataloguing all these films hoping someone would write a book about it – I waited, they didn’t, so I did.”
So in 2023, and after many years of searching and researching, the author has released his comprehensive narrative and visual record of Elvis on 8mm.
This book is unique in its narrative and visual content and is an important inclusion in the complex jigsaw puzzle that forms a complete record of the multi-varied story of Elvis Presley.
Go here to read Nigel Patterson's review
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
 |
'The Airplanes & The King' In-depth review: The original spanish book 'Los Aviones Y El Rey' by Carlos Varrenti was republished as an expanded English version 'The Airplanes & The King' towards the end of 2022.
Not only that but it was expanded from its original 197 pages to an amazing 400 pages with a lot of unreleased material and stunning photos from the 'Elvis Files' vaults!
The English version was unfortunately delayed by supply issues due to the worldwide Covid pandemic - but has now been published as a High quality Hardback book.
As an Aeronautical engineer and Elvis fan, Varrenti is well qualified to write a book which details Elvis’ history with his aircraft and his link to aeronautics in general. With photos and stories from 1955 through to 1977 - and beyond - the book is also an interesting historical look at Elvis’ life "on tour" but this time with an delightfully original theme.
EIN's Nigel Patterson takes a very detailed look at this impressive publication and discovers a trove of delights...
(Book Reviews, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork) |
 |
(Book Review) Elvis Live At The International 50th Anniversary Edition (Kieran Davis): In 2011, Kieran Davis released the highly praised book, Elvis Live At The International. In 2022, he has published an expanded 50th Anniversary edition…and what an expansion it is!
The latest edition dwarfs the original with 432 pages compared to 172 in the original release.
And the added 250+ pages of additional material is stunning, making the 50th Anniversary release one of the best Elvis books published in 2022.
As its title reflects, the book covers Elvis' appearances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas between 1969 and 1971 (it was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton in July 1971). The narrative element is significantly based around fan, Peggy Elzea’s copious diaries, and a bumper array of archival material. Peggy’s experience seeing Elvis in Las Vegas is one every fan will envy.
There is so much fascinating information and so many striking images in the book that it is hard to know where to start in describing it...
Read Nigel Patterson’s detailed 2,700 words review
(Book Review, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork) |
 |
(Book Review) 'The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley: A Critical History of the Early Recordings' (Gary Parker):. ‘For Elvis Presley, stardom was the promise, and he made the trip, but at an extraordinarily high cost’. This is one of the thought provoking themes in Gary Parker’s latest book which critically examines in thoroughly researched detail, Elvis’ seminal recordings in the 1950s (as well as more briefly discussing Elvis’ post Army recordings).
Noting that... "Elvis' clever manipulation of his numerous interests remains one of the music world's great marvels. Presley, with one foot in delta mud and the other in a country hoedown, teamed with Scotty Moore and Bill Black to fuse two distinctly American musical forms -- country and blues -- to form what would come to be known as 'rockabilly'". This is a book with plenty to discuss.
In their 2,100 words collaboration, EIN’s Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley, review what they have found to be one of the best, and most important, Elvis book releases of 2022.
Read the full review here
(Book Review, Source: ElvisInformationNetwork) |
|
Book Review - Elvis: The Quest For An Oscar (James Turiello): Many will find it surprising that someone could write more than 500 pages detailing the case why Elvis deserves to receive an Honorary Academy Award, but author James Turiello has achieved this with his latest book.
EIN's Nigel Patterson spent a weekend exploring the author's argument.
Can someone who appeared in Kissin' Cousins, Harum Scarum and Clambake really be Oscar worthy?
In a detailed review, Nigel discusses what the book has to offer and provides his assessment of whether or not the author successfully makes his case that Elvis is deserving of an Honorary Oscar.
Go here to read Nigel's insightful review
(Book Review, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork) |
.
|
EIN Website content © Copyright the Elvis Information Network.
Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises.
The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club.
. |
Did you miss these Popular EIN Reviews |
| (Review) 'Vintage Rock Presents - Elvis: The Ultimate Album Guide': |
| 'From Here to the Great Unknown’ Lisa Marie - Book Review: |
| (Book Review) Elvis - The King of Fashion (Lorraine Gibson): |
| Book Review - 'ELVIS UK 78 rpm': |
| 'ELVIS / MEMPHIS' In-depth Review: |
| (Book Review) Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books (Nigel Patterson): |
| Book Review - 'Marion Keisker: The Woman Who First Recorded Elvis Presley': |
| (Book Review) 'Elvis UK Compact Volume 1 - The Ultimate Guide to Elvis British CDs 1983-2005' : |
| 'Elvis: Day By Day 2024' Book Review: |
| CD Review 'The Joan Deary Tapes Vol1' - and has Ernst won the war?’: |
| 'Elvis Presley Rock ’n’ Roll No.1’ "Stereo" CD Review: |
| 'ELVIS: Closing Night 1972' MRS CD Review: |
| 'ELVIS: August Season in Vegas 1974' FTD Review: |
| 'Elvis UK - Beyond RCA' "Physical Edition" Review: |
| (Film Review) Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback…..” a battle for artistic integrity”: |
| (Book Review) 'Fact vs. Fiction in the 2022 ELVIS Movie' (Trina Young): |
| Book Review: 8mm Elvis - The Story of Elvis on 8mm': |
| UPDATED - 'Elvis On Tour' Box-Set In-Depth Review: |
| 'The Airplanes & The King' In-depth book review: |
| 'ELVIS: Opening Night 1972' MRS CD Review: |
| (Book Review) Elvis For Vinyl Fans Only Vinyl Discography from Eastern Europe Yugoslavia * Romania (Piotr Soczynski): |
| (Book Review) Guaranteed To Blow Your Mind – The Nov 1976 Tour Revisited. |
| (Book Review) Elvis Live At The International 50th Anniversary Edition (Kieran Davis) |
| (Book Review) Elvis The King of the Rings Volume 2 (Paul Bélard): |
| (Book Review) Destined To Fly: The Story of Pilot Ron Strauss – From Iowa to Elvis (Sally A. Hoedel): |
| Elvis author-researcher, Paul Bélard, reviews Luhrmann's 'ELVIS': |
| 'Elvis UK Cover Story' Book Review: |
| 'ELVIS' EIN exclusive movie review: |
| 'Walk A Lonely Street' Book Review: |
| (Book Review) Elvis and Ginger: |
| 'The Elvis Files Vol. 1 1953-56' In Depth Book Review: |
| 'A Boy From Tupelo' special In-depth Review: |
| |
Did You Miss these Popular Interviews? |
| "ELVIS : ALOHA FROM HAWAII - Through The Eyes of Japan" David Ward Interview: |
| (Interview) Dick Dekker and David Ward, authors of the new book, ‘From Memphis To Tokyo – A Reference Guide To The Absolute Mastery of Elvis’ Japanese Vinyl’: |
| Paul Belard Interview about Col Parker and Elvis 'The King & The Jester': |
| (Interview) Shane Brown author of 'Reconsider Baby - Elvis Presley: A Listener’s Guide' |
| Trina Young Interview 'Fact vs. Fiction in the ELVIS movie': |
| Anthony Stuchbury 'From Elvis At Sun' Interview: |
| Robert Van Beek Interview -author of 'Elvis: Prodigy of SUN': |
| Interview with actor Adam Dunn / Bill Black in 'ELVIS': |
| (Interview) Alanna Nash talks to EIN: |
| Interview – Gary Parker author of 'The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley: A Critical History of the Early Recordings': |
| Interview 'The Airplanes & The King' with Carlos Varrenti & Robert Van Beek: |
| EIN Interview with Mike Stone: |
| 'Jay Thompson and Elvis Presley- 1956 Interview: |
| Interview: 'ELVIS UK3' authors John Townson & Gordon Minto: |
| Loanne Parker interview - Col Parker's widow talks |
| Ed Bonja RIP - EIN exclusive Interview |
| (Interview) Eric Wolfson, author of 'From Elvis in Memphis': |
| (Interview) Richard Zoglin (author of Elvis in Vegas) talks to EIN: |
| Ken Sharp Interview 2019: Elvis 1969 & more.. |
| 'Return Of The King' Gillian Gaar Interview: |
| Larry Geller talks to EIN - 2019: |
| Dave Hebler Interview Part Two with EIN: |
| Alan Hanson 'Elvis: The Movies' Interview: |
| Millie Kirkham - Bob Hayden Interview for EIN: |
| Elaine Beckett -Easy Come Easy Go costar- Interview: |
| Shirley Dieu, author of Memphis Mafia Princess, talks to EIN: |
| Interview With Elvis author - : Gillian G. Gaar |
| Interview with Dick Grob, Elvis' Head Of Security: |
| Hollywood veteran Michael Hoey talks to EIN: |
| Interview with 'Elvis Films FAQ' author Paul Simpson: |
| "My Fast Life" Rare Elvis Presley 1964 Interview: |
| John Wilkinson Tribute & 1972 Interview: |
| RIP - Bernard Lansky talks to EIN: |
| Allyson Adams 'The Rebel and The King' Interview: |
| Linda and Sam Thompson in Australia: |
| John Wilkinson Tribute & 1972 Interview: |
| Vernon Presley Interview: |
| Jerry Leiber Interview for EIN |
| Elvis Paradise Hawaiian Interview - with Peter Noone |
| Roger Semon |
| Ernst Jorgensen |
| Wayne Jackson (Memphis Horns) |
| |
Did You Miss these Popular EIN articles |
| Elvis in Literature #3 – ''Elvis's Man Friday' by Gene Smith: |
| 'Elvis Forever 2023': Where were you when Elvis died? |
| 'Elvis: From King to Legend 72-73' documentary |
| Elvis in Literature #1 – celluloid jukebox – popular music and movies since the 50s: |
| Elvis, Ann-Margret, the filming of Viva Las Vegas, the slap heard across Hollywood, (and more): |
| "'ELVIS' biopic vs 'Agent Elvis' Revisionist History and Reinforcing Negative Stereotypes?'" |
| Anthony Stuchbury 'From Elvis At Sun' Mono II Stereo discussion |
| 'The Elvis RCA Camden Collection' EIN Spotlight: |
| Baz Luhrmann ELVIS Sydney Premiere: |
| (Review) 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' ROCKS Bendigo: |
| Spotlight on 'ELVIS' the new Baz Luhrmann movie |
| 'Think Twice: Elvis in The Studio 1971': |
| UPDATED- The collapse of the Elvis Bootleg Empire: Has Ernst won the war?’: |
| 'Jay Thompson and Elvis Presley' Spotlight: |
| EIN Spotlight: Changing Times, Heavy books, Are Fans being ripped-off: |
| NOW UPDATED - 'ELVIS In The 2010s' A Personal Review of the Past Decade: |
| Spotlight - Why We Should Take Elvis Fans Seriously: |
| Elvis LIVE Aug 23, 1969 Album Review + Elvis Concert Review 1969 |
| 'Counting Down Elvis' Finest 100' Spotlight: |
| 'What was Elvis searching for?' EIN Spotlight: |
| The Memphis Sessions - 50 Years ago Today: |
| Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun? |
| 'Trains, Jet Planes and Morning Rain' EIN Spotlight: |
| Wertheimer's Reaction To Finding The 'Mystery Kisser': |
| UPDATED - 'Elvis Madison 1977 - The Gas Station Incident' with Kathy Westmoreland: |
| '1956, Elvis Presley’s Pivotal Year': |
| 'Elvis In Concert' 1977 TV special; Should it be released officially? |
| Ernst Jorgensen interview about 'The Complete Masters' and more: |
| Dark Side of the Colonel |
| |
|
|
