The Death and Resurrection of Elvis Presley

About this book

There is no other way to put it: Elvis is the King. Note the present tense: even though Elvis (supposedly) died nearly forty years ago he has lived on in our hearts as a sound as an image and as an especially vigorous personality. In fact its safe to say no other celebrity has done so quite as well. The Death and Resurrection of Elvis Presley is the story of that afterlife of Elvis after he left the building. Walking the eccentrically carpeted rooms of Graceland bidding into stratospheric sums on his auctioned relics and mingling among the some 200 000 impersonators of his likeness Ted Harrison offers nothing less than the ultimate Elvis tribute. Harrison begins of course in pilgrimage: to Graceland. He shows how Elviss estate was pillaged nearly to ruin by his manager but was saved through the deft business acumen and financial vision of his divorced wife one Priscilla Presley. If Graceland seems holy thats because it is: Harrison unveils in Elviss allure a deeply spiritual dimension showing how Elvis fans over the decades have anointed their idol with Christ-like qualities. Through Elviss extravagance Harrison raises fascinating links between money and faith and through Elviss life he shows how the King actually fulfilled a host of roles ranging from hero to martyr to saint. Underpinning the whole story is Elviss extraordinary charisma andlest we forgethis astonishing musical genius. Fascinating colorful and deeply informative this book is a must-have for any fan anyone who was ever lucky enough to see Elvis alive or who hopes they might still be able to.