Welcome to EIN's "Elvis Book Month".

Throughout August (and early September) 2006 we will be highlighting the vast Elvis library comprised of non-fiction, fiction and specialist publications. We will:

• have reviews of new Elvis book releases
• publish various articles about the Elvis book phenomenon
• look at the bibliographies for prolific Elvis authors and publishers including Ger Rijff, Joseph Tunzi, Sean Shaver and Bill Burk
• present an interview or two with Elvis book authors
• run a competition with several Elvis books as prizes
• look at the rarest Elvis books ever published
• publish various Elvis book covers
• PLUS much more!

Win an Elvis book!

EIN has one copy each of the following books to give away:

• Elvis By The Presleys
• Elvis Portrait of the King (Susan Doll)
• Heartbreak Hotel A Tribute to the King in Verse (Jeremy Reed)

To enter the draw to win one of thee books simply click here and tell us who wrote Elvis Cinema and Popular Culture (Hint: see below). Entries close on Thursday 7 September 2006.

"Me and a Guy Named Elvis": PEP recently posted this interesting view of the new Jerry Schilling memoir on the FECC messageboard. (Book Review, Source: PEP/FECC board)

Fortunate Son (Book Review): Charles Ponce de Leon's biography on Elvis could well be the Elvis book release of 2006. Susan MacDougall offers an insightful review of what is a considered and thought provoking release which, unlike many other biographies, places its subject within the social, economic and historic parameters of his time and examines the triggers for his behaviour and actions. In so doing, the reviewer explains why de Leon's book has merit beyond the generally accepted definitive two volume Elvis biography by Peter Guralnick. (Book review, Source: EIN)

ELVIS ON THE ROAD TO STARDOM 1955-1956, Jim Black W.H. Allen and Co, 1988, Hardback & Soft cover, 160 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 1852270160 (H/B): 18522706667 (S/C). Price: B Synopsis: Well researched with detailed account of the early years of stardom. Engaging text recreates the feel of the era and the hysteria that compounded as Elvis’s exposure went national. Consider for example, future rockabilly star Bob Luman’s reaction to first seeing Elvis: “This cat came out with a sort of sneer on his face, and he stood behind the mike for five minutes, I’ll bet, before he made a move. Then he hit his guitar a lick and broke two strings! So there he was, these two strings dangling, and he hadn’t done anything yet, and these high-school girls were screaming and fainting and running up to the stage. Then he started to move his hips real slow like he had a thing for his guitar. He made chills run up my back, man, like when your hair starts grabbing at your collar.” Good coverage of the role of the Colonel and RCA’s marketing strategy for their artist who blended and cut across the rock and roll, country and western and rhythm and blues genres. Punctuated by many quotes and good use of black and white and several color photos, many of which are rare. Look particularly for some dramatic shots of the young Elvis live in concert including one of the earliest, Elvis live at The Eagle’s Nest night club in Memphis in 1954. Recommended.

'Elvis Presley: The Man, The Life, The Legend' - book review: Written by Pamela Keogh, this is the first EPE authorised Elvis biography. Printed on high-quality paper and with a good selection of beautiful photos, the writing has a suitable urgency that reflects Elvis' own life. But do we really need yet another biography? Piers Beagley investigates. (Book Review, Source: EIN)

'THE KING' by Jim Piazza - book review: If you are looking for something extraordinary amongst a zillion Elvis books then this is it. Way over-the-top and so large that it will never fit on your bookshelf, this 160 page glossy high quality, high-style book is immense. Even though the fabulous photos are the key to the book, author Jim Piazza does include some pertinent text and observations. August (and now early September) is EIN's book month so don't miss out on the opportunity to check out some images from this unique book.

The Books by Bill E. Burk: The name Bill Burk needs no introduction to fans. The editor of the long running quarterly magazine, Elvis World, is just as renowned for his thoroughly researched and myth busting books about Elvis. Today we look inside the very impressive Bill Burk Elvis book catalog, presenting several mini book reviews and cover images for selected titles.

Visit (and bookmark) David Neale's excellent Elvis book site: Elvis In Print

The Paul Lichter Elvis Booklist: Step inside the the Elvis releases of one of the world's most prolific Elvis authors, Paul Lichter. With a staggering Elvis photo collection of more than 40,000 transparencies, Lichter has released more than 25 quality "coffee table" books and booklets about Elvis since 1975. We present Paul's full Elvis booklist, cover images for a dozen of his titles and three min-reviews of selected Lichter releases.

New Joseph Tunzi book in works: Paul Lichter tells EIN that he is providing for a new JAT book & CD release, Tickle Me, which has a provisional release date early in 2007.

ELVIS WORLD , Jane and Michael Stern Bloomsbury Publishing Ltd, England, 1987, Hardback, 200+ pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 0747500142. Price: C Viking, Canada, 1987, Hardback, Illustrated, ISBN: 0670818836. Price: B-C Perennial Library, USA, 1990, Illustrated, ISBN: 0060972904. Price: B-C Bloomsbury, England, 1991, Hardback, 256 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 0747511802 Bloomsbury, England, 1991, Soft cover, Illustrated, ISBN: 074512000. Price: B

Synopsis: Lavish coffee table tribute released for the 10th Anniversary of Elvis’ passing. Made with the co-operation of Elvis Presley Enterprises. Some stunning color and black & white photos including a number of double page fold-outs and dynamic shots not only of Elvis but also of teenage reaction to his gyrations in the 1950’s. Strong text offers insight to the role of Elvis in society and of society itself. Excellent chapter on Elvis World Literature is complemented by other chapters covering Elvismania in full flight, the movie years, Graceland, and on tour. This book is a fan pleasing product that was exceptionally well received on its release. Maintains the Elvis Estate’s carefully controlled image of a dynamic Elvis unaffected by drugs. Recommended.

What fans have said about "Elvis World"

Lastie Duhon (Texas, USA): This book, published on the 10th anniversary of Elvis' "death" is a great pictorial overview of his life and career. Bound in a shiny gold cover with a clear plastic dust jacket adorned with musical notes (ala Graceland's famous gates), it is a handsome edition to any Elvis book collection. Inside are hundreds of pictures, both black and white and vivid color. Many of these pics are very rare and provide insight in to not only Elvis but the era that he lived. I received my copy as a birthday present upon its' initial release and I have cherished it ever since. I see that there is an abundance of copies available here at Amazon and pretty cheap too. If you're an Elvis fan grab one of them, you won't be sorry you did!

James Cameron (Scotland): Elvis World is a fantastic book full of colourful, glossy photos. All fans should buy it.

Win an Elvis book!

EIN has one copy each of the following books to give away:

• Elvis By The Presleys
• Elvis Portrait of the King (Susan Doll)
• Heartbreak Hotel A Tribute to the King in Verse (Jeremy Reed)

To enter the draw to win one of thee books simply click here and tell us who wrote Elvis Cinema and Popular Culture (Hint: see below). Entries close on Thursday 7 September 2006.

Elvis Presley: A Life In Books: visit (and bookmark) one of the best Elvis book sites on the web

"Lonely Street" A Bubba Mabry Mystery (Steve Brewer) From Library Journal: This work introduces Bubba Mabry into the legion of fictional hard-boiled detectives, and Bubba's client is no less than the King himself. It seems that a hard-working but seriously overweight tabloid journalist spots a convincing Elvis look-alike in New Mexico. On closer examination, it turns out to be the genuine article, and Elvis becomes worried that he could be exposed, so he hires Bubba for some surveillance work at the astonishing rate of $30 an hour. A couple of corpses later, Bubba is a murder suspect, Elvis has left the building, and journalists are circling overhead like vultures. Narrator Gene Engene does an absolutely terrific job of conveying the humor and frantic pace of this comic crime novel. He does a wonderful imitation of Elvis, but he is even better with the more outrageous characters. To the folks at Books in Motion, I can only say...thank you, thank you very much. A priority purchase. ARay Vignovich, West Des Moines P.L., IA Tony Hillerman: "Steve Brewer gives a fast-paced and witty look at how it might be if America's No. 1 celebrity really was alive. A wonderful new entry in the Private Eye field."

New book 'Elvis Presley Limited Edition": To be released by Genesis Publications this book is by Mike McCartney and Lew Allen. McCartney is the editor of this large format volume, which features Lew Allen's superb photographs of Elvis along with Buddy Holly and The Everly Brothers. Click for the latest info and to find out more (News, Source: ElvisBookresearch)

ELVIS: IMAGES AND FANCIES, Jac L. Tharpe (ed), University of Mississippi Press, USA, 1979, Illustrated/Star Book (WH Allen), England, 1983, Soft cover, 188 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 0-352-311444. Synopsis: Probably the original academic publication on Elvis. Respected and sought after serious examination of the Elvis phenomenon by a mixture of professors, lecturers, graduate students and fans. Hard going most of the time due to its often intellectual nature. For instance in the essay “Images of Elvis, the South, and America’, Van K. Brock comments: He drew his artistic energies from a combination of his loyalty to his complex cultural origins and of his profound drive to escape the stigma of poverty and social exclusion intrinsic to them. While this is perceptible to most readers, they are likely to be seriously challenged, even lost, when Brock then theorizes in the same paragraph: His ambivalence and dilemma are intensified because the cultural demands that shaped his mind and his loyalties were conflicting in themselves. An understanding of his origins should not only clarify the nature of his mind and the sources of his drives, both of which were intrinsic to his symbolism: his origins should also suggest why that symbolism led to the acclaim and derision that accompanied his career The 15 essays cover various aspects of the Elvis legend from the impact of his southern heritage to his impact in Thailand. One of my favorites is Richard Middleton’s nicely comprehensible examination of innovation and continuity in Elvis’s vocal style. For serious collectors and fans with a sociological bent only.

Book Review - "Elvis and Popular Cinema": Today we provide a detailed review of one of the most recent Elvis books published, "Elvis Cinema and Popular Culture". As EIN discovers, author Douglas Brode has stepped outside the square to "reframe" our focus on what the Elvis film was, and is, all about. In so doing he has written a fascinating book traversing a wide and eclectic range of themes in the context of radical transformation in America and an icon of mythic proportions around which much of that socio-political transformation was played out on the big screen. Well argued with cogent examples, the result is a potent and challenging mix of innocence and primal change. It is an illuminating journey examining where the "reel" ends and the "real" begins. Read our full review

Book Review - "The Blue Moon Boys: The Story of Elvis Presley's Band": Today we provide a detailed review of one of the most recent Elvis books published, "The Blue Moon Boys: The Story of Elvis Presley's Band". EIN's Nigel Patterson delves inside the release and discovers a side to the Elvis story which is often overlooked. It is an important story rich in detail and one which adds to our understanding of both Elvis and the development of rock 'n' roll.

New book announced: Being released in the US next week is the musical score to Shakin': Homage to Elvis Presley and Igor Stravinsky (ISBN: 1423416449). The music was commissioned by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the Music Library Association and debuted on February 24, 2006. Composed by Augusta Read Thomas, the score is being published by Schirmer and it is available for pre-order from Amazon (Source: ElvisBookResearch)

The Joseph Tunzi "Elvis" booklist: Come inside the impressive JAT Productions Elvis booklist as we look at the complete catalog and provide cover images for 14 of the famous Tunzi Elvis books.

Elvis Book Fact #11: Around 100 "fiction" books involving the Elvis Presley character have been published. The books range in narrative from murder-mysteries to serious adventure stories and humorous escapades.

THE BEST OF ELVIS (Recollections of a Great Humanitarian), Cindy Hazen and Mike Freeman Memphis Explorations, USA, 1992, Soft cover, 186 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: ADD. Price: B Synopsis: Great book detailing Elvis’s countless acts of generosity and compassion including his now legendary annual Christmas donations to 50 charities in the Memphis area. The book puts paid to suggestions that Elvis was racist through its accounts of Elvis’ donations to black and Jewish organizations. Symbolic of his motivations is the following comment by entertainer Danny Thomas:

“I happen to know, and I know Elvis is too modest to talk about it, but immediately after he purchased the Potomac, he could have sold it at personal profit to himself, but that isn’t why he bought it. He bought it with charity in mind”.

Peppered with some great quotes from those who knew him best. ‘The Best of Elvis’ also details the spin-off effect of Elvis’ generosity - the efforts of many Elvis fan clubs to raise sums each year to assist local charities. Positive and uplifting - for all of his faults it is his singing and kindness that affected the world and this book is a tribute to the latter. A welcome tonic to the trashy and sensational books so often released on the King. Different, and collectible.

World famous Elvis artist, Betty Harper, talks to EIN: The name Betty Harper has been associated with stunning sketch portraits of Elvis Presley and other celebrities for many decades. The author of three stunning art books showcasing some of her 10,000+ Elvis portraits, and an artist hailed as the best since Norman Rockwell, has that rare ability to bring life and feeling to her sublime images of the King. Trained at the American Academy in Paris and winner of countless awards, Betty's exquisite, intimate portrtaits of Elvis are a revelation in the world of Elvis art. In a fascinating interview with EIN, Betty talks about her life and reveals some of the secrets of how she approaches her amazing drawings. We also present a dozen of her critically acclaimed Elvis sketch portraits (Source: EIN)

Book Review - SUDDENLY AND GENTLY VISIONS OF ELVIS , Betty Harper St Martin’s Press Inc, USA /Sidgwick & Jackson, England, 1987, Soft cover, approx. 90 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 0283995432 Synopsis: World-renowned Elvis artist Betty Harper (a charming lady) has done thousands of drawings of Elvis. Around 50 are presented in Suddenly and Gently and all reflect the sincerity and caring that the artist has for her subject. Harper captures the spirit of Elvis through a series of black and white sketches from the jump suited entertainer in Vegas to a bearded, cigar chomping Elvis in Charro and the untamed youth in Memphis in the mid 1950’s. All drawings come with a title and some with a short poem expressing the artist’s feelings about Elvis. Essentially a book of pencil sketches, this book would be a worthwhile addition to any fan’s collection. Originally issued with a large fold-out sketch. Recommended.

Elvis Book Fact #10: More than 100 photobooks have been published showcasing Elvis on and off stage. Ger Rijff and Joseph Tunzi have published around 50 titles.

Book Review - (THE) BOY WHO WOULD BE KING , Earl Greenwood and Kathleen Tracy Dutton Books, USA, 1990 /Penguin Books (Signet) USA/England/Canada/Australia, 1992, Soft cover, 359 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 0-45-11-7140-3. Synopsis: Greenwood, apparently Elvis’s cousin, presents his view of the truth surrounding Elvis. His personal account is often ‘no holds barred’ (particularly regarding sexual escapades). The author attempts to go below the surface and present the psychological state of his subject and those around him. Readers will find Greenwood’s assessment of Gladys Presley interesting: Gladys also resented having to share Elvis with so many others...For all the money and clothes and jewelry, she was lonelier and more neglected than she’d ever been in her life. The book didn’t find a wide audience on release despite its often sensationalist tone. Dismissed as fanciful by a number of critics. Released in 1993 and 1999 in audio cassette format.

What is the world's rarest Elvis book? EIN goes back to 1959 to discuss one of the first two "books" about Elvis ever published, a book which few fans will have heard of.

Marvelous stories told in "The Blue Moon Boys": Billed as a candid look at the relationship between three original Elvis band members and the King himself, "The Blue Moon Boys," by journalist Ken Burke and promoter/producer Dan Griffin, does indeed offer never-before-told stories of life with and after Elvis for legendary performers, guitarist Scotty Moore, bassist Bill Black and drummer D.J. Fontana. Read full story

Elvis is in the bookstore

There has been yet another Elvis sighting!

Not Elvis in the flesh, but Elvis between the covers of two new nonfiction books whose appearance coincides with the anniversary of Presley's death on Aug. 16, 1977.

Among other sightings on the list of new hardcover books are novels by Mary Balogh and Eric Kraft; and nonfiction, including books about the war in Iraq and the prelude to Sept. 11; and Nora Ephron's musings on womanhood.

* Jerry Schilling describes his long, close friendship with Presley in "Me and a Guy Named Elvis" (Gotham Books). Schilling, who has worked in the entertainment industry as manager, publicist and consultant, describes the Presley he knew firsthand. It began with a chance meeting in 1954 at a pickup football game, when the author was 12 and Presley, 17, had just released his first single.

* Presley's rise and fall and his significance as a celebrity and entertainer are charted in "Fortunate Son: The Life of Elvis Presley" (Hill and Wang). Author Charles L. Ponce de Leon describes Presley's decline from a charismatic, rebellious singer to the star of mediocre, saccharine films; how Elvis myths evolved; and how Presley's great fame influenced a lifestyle that adversely affected his personal and professional life.

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Elvis Book Fact #9: The area of Elvis and cooking has been explored in more than 30 books released since his death in 1977. Many are privately published fan club releases such as the "Elvis In Canada Fan Club Cookbook". One mass circulation book by David Adler, "The Life and Cuisine of Elvis Presley" was made into a fascinating and at times visually confronting TV documentary called "The Burger and the King".

Mini Book Review - ELVIS PRESLEY “BEHIND CLOSED DOORS” (The Graceland Edition), Paul Lichter Jesse Books, USA, 1987, Hardback, 121 pages, Illustrated (b&w), ISBN: 0961602740. Synopsis: The 12th book by prolific Elvis author Lichter and despite its pre-publication rhetoric, not one of his most lavish coffee table publications. It was licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises and released to coincide with the 10th anniversary of Elvis’ death. Many interesting stories of Elvis on his first date, at his Army induction, playing football, on his wedding day, meeting The Beatles and in concert. Also features family photos of Elvis, Priscilla and Lisa Marie at home in Graceland. The text is complemented by many high gloss photos some of which are incredibly rare: Elvis and The Beatles at their historic meeting in Bel Air The cut “nude” bath scene in Charro featuring Ina Balin Publicity stills of Elvis and Ina Balin

There were two editions of ‘Behind Closed Doors’ released: a deluxe limited numbered edition and a regular edition. The higher price reflects the quality presentation of the limited numbered edition involving high grade paper with every page hand sewn and bound in lavender leather and gilt stamped in mirror 24 karat platinum.

The production is spoiled by all the text being in bolded, capital letters. This poor design has let down what could otherwise have been a high quality book. The use of bolded capital letters for all of the text and greater than single line spacing is not pleasing on the eye.

Mini Book Review - ELVIS - THE CONCERT YEARS 1969-1977 , Stein Erik Skar

The Flaming Star Elvis Presley Fan Club of Norway, Norway, 1992, Hardback, 272 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 8299427800.

Synopsis: Deservedly renowned concert book from Norway. Comprehensive listing of all concerts, jumpsuits worn, songs sung, attendances, etc. Includes almost 200 extracts taken from press reviews, and more than 200 stunning photos. Text in English (translated by Elizabeth Watering and Barry Love) and Norwegian. Recommended.

Elvis Book Fact #8: The Elvis library is filled with many specific mini-libraries. These include:

• Academic examinations of the Elvis phenomenon (12+ titles)
• Celluloid Elvis (12+ titles)
• Elvis comic books (25 titles)
• Elvis discographies & price guides (50+ titles)
• Elvis fiction (100+ titles)
• Elvis for children (more than 12 titles)
• Elvis in the army (10+ titles)
• Elvis cuisine (20+ titles)
• Elvis photobooks (50+ titles)
• Elvis recording sessions (more than 15 titles)
• Elvis (as) religion (approaching 10 titles)
• Elvis sheet music books (more than 150 titles)
• Imitating Elvis (approaching 20 titles)
• Insider memoirs (20+ titles)
• Is Elvis Alive?: (more than 20 titles)

Book Review: "Lips" by Byron Edwards: EIN's Nigel Patterson took a road trip across the USA and into Mexico as he travelled with Elvis and a cousin trying to stay one step ahead of the law. Read what Nigel discovered in Byron Edwards' highly readable Elvis novel, a quirky mix of evocative imagery, adventure, and innovative narrative. Read our review

Ger Rijff Booklist - updated today

Elvis Book Fact #7: Particularly since the early 1990s, an increasing number of major Elvis books have been released in audio and/or digital formats. The titles include:

• Careless Love (Guralnick)
• Elvis An Audio Scrapbook (Klein)
• Elvis Presley The Man The Life The Legend (Keogh)
• Elvis Saves (Yancey)
• FBI Files - Elvis Presley
• Last Train to Memphis (Guralnick)
• Maximum Elvis (Clayson)
• Tears Of A Shadow (Patchouli)
• Tender (Childress)
• The Boy Who Would Be King (Greenwood & Tracy)
• The Hidden Works of the King (Daughtry)
• The Poster of Elvis (Semel)
• The True Story of Elvis Presley
• The Tupelo-Memphis Murders
• Unfinished Lives 3: Elvis Presley and Judy Garland (Beck & Hack)
• When Elvis Died (Gregory)

Where to buy out of print, rare Elvis books: As a rule of thumb Book Dealers put a premium on rare, out of print (OOP) books. However, the advent of the Internet has allowed us all to access thousands of items that previously were elusive.

Three great places to find rare, out of print Elvis books are:

• Amazon (Secondhand dealers network)
• Barnes & Noble (Secondhand Dealers network)
• eBay

Each of these outlets offers NEW and USED items, often at a fraction of the normal or original retail cost. Books can be found starting at only 1 cent (plus p&p)!

These outlets are also a great place to get recent titles at a discounted price.

Some examples. Yesterday Amazon had the following rare and/or used titles available:

• Last Train To Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley (Guralnick) from US$2.95
• A Presley Speaks (Vester Presley, hardcover) from US$7.00
• Inside Elvis (Ed Parker) from $7.99
• In Search of Elvis: Music Race, Art, Religion (Chadwick) from $10.64
• Elvis What Happened? (the Bodyguard book) from $13.00
• Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley (Jerry Schilling) from $17.16

And don't forget to check the various country sites Amazon and ebay maintain. For example, if you are looking for a Japanese published Elvis title, Amazon Japan or eBay Japan may be your best bet rather than the main (USA based) Amazon and eBay sites.

Another tip: Always cross-check prices. Even if you find a very cheap book on eBay, look at Amazon & B&N as you'll be surprised how many times you find the same book at a cheaper, buy now price.

Mini Book Review - A PRESLEY SPEAKS, Vester Presley as told to Deda Bonura.

Wimmer Brothers, (Memphis) USA, 1978, Soft cover, Illustrated, ISBN: 0918544114.

Synopsis: Elvis’s late Uncle Vester offers positive family stories particularly of a young Elvis. Written with that simple down south charm: I will never forget one day Elvis is out riding (Rising) Sun, his favorite horse. All of a sudden Sun starts bucking and off goes Elvis. Well, there were quite a few fans around the gate and they have a full view of Elvis...I reckon he’s a little embarrassed and figures he has do something. So, he doubles up his fist and starts jumping around as if he is trying to get Sun to fight with him. Sun just stands there, snorting and shaking his head...The fans laughed and applauded. They were all yelling for him to do it again. Perennial best seller with fans visiting Graceland. Reprinted many times. Features some rare color and black and white photos. Recommended.

Mini Book Review - CAUGHT IN A TRAP ELVIS PRESLEY’S TRAGIC LIFELONG SEARCH FOR LOVE, Rick Stanley with Paul Harold Ward Publishing, USA, 1992, Hardback, 232 pages, Illustrated, No index, Appendices, ISBN: 0849909791. Synopsis: The Stanley brothers have released numerous books about their stepbrother. All was revealed in the first two or three releases, and later publications such as this one are generally an embellished rehash of earlier stories. The most important aspect of the Stanley books is their recounting of the difficulties and personal challenges they faced as a result of living in the shadow of the King. The title refers to a line in one of Elvis’s biggest hits, Suspicious Minds. Some interesting narrative: hat came to terrorize him was the knowledge that what he appeared to be, this godlike image, meant so much to his fans.

Elvis Book Fact #6: There have been more than 20 comic books published about Elvis. These include the three part comic novel, "Elvis Shrugged" and the seven-part series, "The Elvis Presley Experience". The rarest Elvis comic book is an underground release with the title "Elvis and Priscilla F--king". Surprisingly, despite its controversial title, its images are not particularly pornographic.

German & French book releases: In Germany, Bosworth Music GmbH will release the German edition of Careless Love by Peter Guralnick (paperback, ISBN 3865431070). Release date is set for August. In February this year they also released the German edition of Last Train to Memphis. Also in August, Bosworth Music GmbH will re-release Elvis - Story und Songs Kompakt (paperback, 160 pages, ISBN 3865432301).

Publisher Schwarzkopf & Schwarzkopf released in June a second edition of the book Elvis Presley - Ein Leben fur den Rock'n'Roll. Die Fotochronik der Karriere (paperback, 320 pages, ISBN 3896024353).

In October, Schwarzkopf & Schwarzkopf will release the German edition of Elvis at 21: Elvis im Alter von 21 Jahre: Von New York nach Memphis (hardback, 300 pages, ISBN 3896027263).

A German edition of Tara McAdams' book Elvis Handbook will be released in November by Collection Rolf Heyne (hardback, 432 pages, ISBN 3899103289).

Also published by Collection Rolf Heyne are the book(s) from Jim Piazza, "Elvis Presley - The King". They come with three different covers: black (ISBN 3899103181), gold (ISBN 3899103173) and white (ISBN 389910319X). Release is set for October.

In France, the French translation of Alanna Nash' book The Colonel "Le colonnel : L'homme dans l'ombre d'Elvis" will be published by Stanké in September (paperback, ISBN: 2760410269). (News, Source: Elvis Presley A Life In Books / Elvis News)

The Ger Rijff Elvis Book Collection: One name is synonymous with quality photo-journal books showcasing Elvis at the peak of his powers in the 1950s, and that name is the legendary Ger Rijff. EIN presents a look at the fascinating Ger Rijff catalog of Elvis books and offers you tips on how to find these much sought after collectors items.

Elvis Book Fact #5: There are more than 200 foreign language books with Elvis in their title. Books about Elvis have been published in more than 20 languages.

Opposite left: 2005's biggest selling Elvis book "Elvis By The Presleys"   Opposite right: A new type of Elvis book publishing...digital download

Mini Book Review - CHILD BRIDE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF PRISCILLA BEAULIEU PRESLEY, Suzanne Finstad

Harmony Books, USA, 1997, Hardback, 387 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 0517705850.

Century/Random House, UK/Australia/New Zealand/South Africa, 1997, Hardback, 387 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 0712677747.

Random House Value Publishing, Incorparated, USA, 1997, Hardback, 320 pages, Illustrated(?), ISBN: 0517705850.

Berkeley Boulevard Books, USA, 1998, Softcover, 464 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 07183100750.

Berkley Publishing Group, USA, 1998, Softcover, 464 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 0425165442.

Three Rivers Press, USA, 2006, Softcover, 480 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 0307336956.

Synopsis: Truly sensational expose of the head of Elvis Presley Enterprises. Characterized as Priscilla’s ‘life of lies’ this book paints a far from flattering picture of a scheming woman who has created a false image of herself and spun a web of deceit. Was Priscilla a virgin when she met Elvis?: what did her parents really think about her dating and later living with Elvis - these and other themes in Elvis folklore are given a new twist:

Contrary to legend, neither Ann nor her husband exhibited the slightest hesitation about sending their daughter to meet Elvis.

Of particular interest are a detailed account of Elvis’s sexual persona, Lisa Marie Presley’s attempts at becoming a rock star and several rare photos.

The author also injects some humor:

Graceland in certain ways resembled the Clampett mansion in The Beverly Hillbillies...Vernon was a latter-day Jed: Elvis was a well-intended, oversexed Jethro.

As always, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.

"Banner Days": what do one of pro wrestling's original divas and Elvis have in common? Quite a lot as EIN found out when it delved inside Penny Banner's highly entertaining biography. The pair dated in the 1950s and Ms Banner shares details of their relationship with us, as well as taking us behind the scenes of what is now called sports entertainment. Read EIN's review

Elvis Book Fact #4 - Privately Published Elvis Books: Elvis is arguably the #1 icon for privately published Elvis books. From fan club booklets to quality photobooks nearly 500 titles have been produced by individuals and organisations operating within the Elvis fan club network and outside mainstream bookstores.

Little known Elvis novel a collectible thanks to copyright law! The Dominion Post 02 December 2004 By TOM CARDY Cartoon by Bromhead All the vine-swinging Tarzan of the Apes had to worry about was the law of the jungle. But a New Zealand publishing company is up against complicated copyright law for using the fictional hero in a critically acclaimed novel.

The book was published in June 2004 to critical acclaim and has sold most of its initial 3000 print run. Victoria University Press publisher Fergus Barrowman said it received a letter from a British law firm, acting on behalf of Burroughs’ estate, several weeks after the book was published. It wanted a New Zealand website to stop advertising the book. The publishers had since received several letters from lawyers for the estate, based in Tarzana, California.

Mr Barrowman said they were surprised by the company’s claim that Tarzan “infringes their intellectual property rights” including the name Tarzan and other aspects of the man-raised-by-apes character. He said Cox felt hurt by the attack. “Tarzan is in the dictionary, for goodness sake, and the book is in no sense an attempt to pass itself off as the work of Edgar Rice Burroughs or an authorised continuation of his work. It’s a literary reinvention.” Mr Barrowman said Burroughs’ estate would be satisfied with it selling the remaining first edition copies, as long as none were sold outside New Zealand. It would also allow the book to be republished, but only if the name Tarzan was removed, the story changed to make it less like Tarzan’s story, and it was not sold overseas. But if Victoria University Press did not agree, “basically the big stick is `We’ll sue you.’ “ Mr Barrowman said Victoria University Press would be reluctant to go to court because of the cost. Differences in copyright law could be a factor.

Availability: "Tarzan Presley" is not listed on Amazon or B&N and no copies of the book have appeared on ebay in the past year.

The hard-to-believe books worth reading (#1):

Are You Lonesome Tonight? The Untold Story of Elvis Presley's One True Love and the Child He Never Knew(Lucy de Barbin & Dary Matera) Released by Villard Books in 1987 at the height of stories about Elvis' illegitimate children, de Barbin's fanciful tale was absorbing. Well written and seemingly sincere, it told a terrific tale of the author's 20 year love affair with Elvis, and the daughter, Desiree, it produced. Rumored for deserved, but eventually non-forthcoming film treatment, many couldn't help but get drawn into de Barbin's wonderfully compelling, if flawed, tragic fairytale. Striking themes and evocative images which were the staple of a good soap opera and particularly appealing to romantics, Ms de Barbin wrote: "I couldn't sleep that night. Why did he call after all these years? How did he find me? Would he call back? Why did he hang up? Nothing but questions, tormenting questions. The next day at work was impossible. My mind was far, far away. Ten years in the past by a river in the fall."

Regardless, this book detailing an alleged affair of the heart was the first, and best, of an infrequent series to be published over the ensuing two decades. Others would be the factual "Elvis & Kathy" (Kathy Westmoreland: 1987), the neo-factual "Don't Ask Forever My Love Affair With Elvis" (Joyce Bova: 1994); "The King, McQueen and the Love Machine" (Barbara Leigh: 2001); and Tears Of A Shadow (Patchouli: 2004). "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" possessed a vital spark and eventual tragedy not as apparent in these other memoirs, although Kathy Westmoreland came close with her interesting, but uneven, reflection on her relationship with The King.

At the height of the illegitimate children story around 10 different people had come forward claiming to be Elvis' offspring. The story gained wide tabloid interest for nearly a year before giving way to a more psychologically resonant and long lasting story, namely that Elvis didn't die on 16 August 1977.

The bibliographic resource, Elvis In Print: The Definitive Reference and Price Guide, says of "Are You Lonesome Tonight?":

Highly entertaining and well written if unbelievable story. de Barbin claims her daughter, Desiree, was fathered by Elvis during their 24 years long affair!:

"I was finally holding the body I ached for all those empty years. I ran my fingers down his smooth skin and traced his sensuous mouth. Elvis responded, first slowly, then eagerly. He was as thrilling in bed as he was on stage, energetic, powerful, and commanding. He explored all the nuances of my body, awakening desires I feared had long died."

There are some fatal flaws in the story and a lack of precise places and dates that can be verified. It is also amazing that not one of the Memphis Mafia knew of de Barbin’s allegedly two-decade relationship with Elvis. Originally slated to be a TV movie or mini-series, public interest in it quickly waned due to the hard sell marketing of the ‘Is Elvis Alive?’ conspiracy story. The soft cover version in 1988 included new and previously unpublished material. Recommended (if you like a very well written and engrossing, if unbelievable read).

Elvis Book Fact #3 - Elvis book sales today: Since the early 1990s sales of Elvis books generally have been in decline. A glut of titles following his death was initially generally well met with even minor titles selling briskly, but over time the continuing high numbers of books being published about Elvis could not sustain substantial sales figures.

Mini Book Review - THE ATOMIC POWERED SINGER , Brian Petersen (foreword by Ernst Jorgensen) Self published, Sweden , 1994, Soft cover, 238 pages, Illustrated, No index, No bibliography, ISBN: none. Synopsis: Petersen’s labor of love is a worthy addition to the serious collector’s archives as he takes the reader on a ‘detailed’ day by day tour with the King through 1956. Filled with rare photos and copies of press clippings it covers both Elvis in performance and Elvis in his private moments:

Elvis Presley fans all but tore the roof off the Oakland Auditorium Arena - not once, but twice - as the youthful singing sensation proved yesterday he is without a doubt, the most amazing of entertainers. Presley whips through a song as if he had grabbed a live wire. Some 6,400 madly screaming fans at two performances responded as if they, too, had been jolted by the same current.

The next day Elvis and Nick Adams drove out to the Mid-South Fair on Elvis’ motorcycle. Elvis was dressed in white pants, white socks and a white shirt with a waving stripe down the front and his motor-cycle cap with a big star on the front.

The title takes its name from the billing given Elvis when he first appeared (rather disastrously) in Las Vegas that year.

Book Review - "Fairytale": The idea that Elvis did not die in August 1977 has spawned a mini-library of richly diverse and controversial, fiction and non-fiction titles since the late 1970s. The most well known books are of course by Gail Brewer-Giorgio, who left the Elvis world several years ago to pursue other interests. In the fiction area, one book highly sought after by collectors is the anonymously written, Fairytale. In a thorough and insightful review of the book, Susan MacDougall (Presleys in the Press) dissects its meaning and explores its themes and merits.

New book - "Who Is the Greatest? Elvis or the Beatles?": Coinciding nicely with EIN's ongoing series of articles comparing Elvis and the Beatles, comes news of this new softcover 232 page book by Mike Stephens and Bill Slater. Due out in the USA on 28 August from the Dorset Group (ISBN: 0976802112). (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)

Read EIN's articles on Elvis vs the Beatles

Elvis Book Fact #2 - The highest selling Elvis books: A number of books about Elvis have reached #1 on the best seller lists and/or sold in excess of 1 million copies. These include:

• Elvis (Albert Goldman)
• Elvis & Me (Priscilla Presley)
• Elvis What Happened? (Steve Dunleavy, Red West, Sonny West & Dave Hebler)
• Is Elvis Alive? (Gail Brewer-Giorgio)
• Last Train To Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley (Peter Guralnick)

"Elvis What Happened?" (aka 'The Bodyguard Book') had the distinction of, at the time, being the biggest book order placed by the K-Mart chain in the USA, with more than 1 million copies ordered around August 1977.

The "original" Elvis biography, "Elvis" by Jerry Hopkins (originally published in 1971 and reissued most recently in 2006) sold very well around the world but its total sales figures have not been published. Whether or not it has reached 1 million sales is a moot point.

Elvis Book Fact #1: - How many books have been published about Elvis?: The bibliographic resource, Elvis In Print: The Definitive Reference and Price Guide lists more than 2,000 books about Elvis being published between 1959 and 2007. This number includes:

• non-fiction
• fiction
• foreign language releases
• specialist books

The only other persons to rival the number of books published about Elvis are 'Jesus' and 'JFK'.

(Mini) Book Review - The Elvis Reader (Texts and Sources on the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll), Kevin Quain (ed.), St. Martin ’s Press , USA , 1992, Soft cover, 344 pages, Not illustrated, ISBN: 0312069669, Bibliography, Index. Synopsis: Little known but excellent compilation of ‘themed’ essays on aspects of Elvis. The themes include the musical Elvis, the mythical Elvis, the southern Elvis and the metaphysical Elvis. Insightful and illuminating. The prose is often colorful as in the Roy Blount, Jr essay “Elvis’: “Even before the Pill, Elvis seemed to obviate the primacy of Jack-hunch-Annie-and-knock-her-up”. In Nick Tosches ‘’Elvis In Death’ we find a description which perfectly sums up the contradictory phenomenon that is Elvis Presley: “However we choose to look at Elvis Presley - as a saint, a savior, or a monstrosity: as the apotheosis of America’s fatal and garish yearning: or as the final god in the pantheon of the West - we can be sure that the likes of him will not soon pass this way again.”

Other contributors include Priscilla Presley, Albert Goldman, Richard Middleton and Lester Bangs. W. P. Kinsella’s essay ‘Elvis Bound’ may offend some with its graphic detail of Elvis’s sexual escapades. Some of the essays (eg. Van K. Brock’s ‘Images of Elvis, the South and America’) appeared previously. Also features with a useful 35 page reference section. This release is one of the best of its kind. (Source: Elvis In Print: The Definitive Reference and Price Guide)

Availability: Amazon & Barnes & Noble (Second Hand Dealers Network)

Click to comment on EIN's "Elvis Book Month"

Quote:

"Elvis Presley is the supreme socio-cultural icon in the history of pop culture"

(Dr. Gary Enders)

Quote:

"Elvis is the 'glue' which holds our society together....which subconciously gives our world meaning"

(Anonymous)

Quote:

"Eventually everybody has to die, except Elvis"

(humorist Dave Barry)

Quote:

"He is the "Big Bang", and the universe he detonated is still expanding, the pieces are still flying"

(Greil Marcus, "Dead Elvis")

Quote:

"I think Elvis Presley will never be solved"

(Nick Tosches)

Quote:

"He was the most popular man that ever walked on this planet since Christ himself was here"

(Carl Perkins)

Quote:

"When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew I wasn't going to work for anybody...hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail"

(Bob Dylan)

Quote:

"When we were kids growing up in Liverpool, all we ever wanted was to be Elvis Presley"

(Sir Paul McCartney)

Quote:

"You can't say enough good things about Elvis. He was one of a kind"

(Johnny Cash)

Quote:

"And don't think for one moment he's just a passing fancy....he's got enough of it to keep him on top for a long time"

(R. Fred Arnold, Fury magazine, Aug 1957)

Quote:

"It isn't enough to say that Elvis is kind to his parents, sends money home, and is the same unspoiled kid he was before all the commotion began. That still isn't a free ticket to behave like a sex maniac in public"

(Eddie Condon, Cosmopolitan)

Elvis records reaching #2 & #3 on the Cashbox Pop Singles chart:

#2: A Fool Such As I (1959)

#2: A Big Hunk Of Love (1959)

#3: Hard Headed Woman (1958)

#3: One Night (1958)

#3: (You're The Devil) In Disguise (1963)

Elvis Facts:

Tickets for Elvis' show on March 29, 1957 in St. Louis cost $2.00 to $2.50

While in Germany Elvis was hospitalised with tonsillitis in October 1959

Despite being an illegal immigrant, photographic evidence shows Colonel Tom Parker traveled to Canada with Elvis in 1957

Elvis strongly believed there weren't enough good songs in King Creole to justify releasing a soundtrack album. RCA initially agreed, releasing two very successful EPs from the movie. A soundtrack LP eventually followed

During the 1960s Elvis had his own football team, Elvis Presley Enterprises, which played in the Memphis touch football league. In the 1962 final, EPE narrowly lost to Delta Automatic Transmission, 6-13

In Clambake, (Elvis) Scott Hayward's driving licence shows February 23, 1940...taking 5 years off Elvis' real age

In the 1970s Elvis was offered $5m to stage a concert in front of the Pyramids in Egypt. When the Colonel declined the offer, Saudi billionaires raised the offer to $10m