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Last Train To Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley [Paperback]

Peter Guralnick (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
RRP: £13.99
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Book Description

Publication Date: 2 Nov 1995

LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS is arguably the first serious biography that refuses to dwell on the myth of Elvis. Aiming instead to portray in vivid, dramatic terms the life and career of this outstanding artistic and cultural phenomenon, it draws together a plethora of documentary and interview material to create a superbly coherent and plausible narrative.

The first of two volumes, covering Presley's rise to prominence up to his departure for Germany in 1958, LAST TRAIN to MEMPHIS will undoubtedly become the benchmark by which other biographies of him are judged.

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Last Train To Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley + Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley + Elvis by the Presleys
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Product details

  • Paperback: 592 pages
  • Publisher: Abacus; New Ed edition (2 Nov 1995)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0349106517
  • ISBN-13: 978-0349106519
  • Product Dimensions: 13 x 20 x 3.8 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 96,346 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Amazon Review

Last Train to Memphis is the first part of Peter Gurlanick's epic two-volume life of rock 'n' roll's founding father--and when no less an authority than Bob Dylan writes that "this book cancels out all others", you know Guralnick must be doing something right.

Exhaustive and thorough, though always written from a sympathetic standpoint, this first volume covers the early days: the extraordinary story of a poor young truck driver who came out of nowhere and conquered the world--all within the space of two short years. And while this tale was already one of the more familiar in post-war history, Guralnick always manages to brings something fresh to the telling. The recollections of Marion Keisker, the secretary at Sun records who recognised something special in the polite teenager's voice, help throw some light on the enigma surrounding Elvis: "He was like a mirror in a way: whatever you were looking for, you were going to find in him. It was not in him to say anything malicious. He had all the intricacy of the very simple".

Guralnick is a scrupulous biographer, now established as the definitive chronicler of the strange life and turbulent times of Elvis Presley; better still, his enthusiasm for Elvis' music shines through on every page of the text. And in the end, after all else is gone, that music will remain. --Patrick Humphries

Review

A wonderful book...Guralnick gives us an Elvis of real flesh and blood...the richest and most detailed protrait of Presely we have ever had. (SUNDAY TELEGRAPH )

Unrivalled...Elvis steps out of these pages, you can feel him breathe, this book cancels out all others - BOB DYLAN (Wonderful…Guralnick deserves to live in Graceland - RODDY DOYLE )

Last Train to Memphis is the first part of Peter Gurlanick's epic two-volume life of rock 'n (roll's founding father--and when no less an authority than Bob Dylan writes that "this book cancels out all others", you know Guralnick must be doing something right. Exhaustive and thorough, though always written from a sympathetic standpoint, this first )

Guralnick is a scrupulous biographer, now established as the definitive chronicler of the strange life and turbulent times of Elvis Presley; better still, his enthusiasm for Elvi s' music shines through on every page of the text. And in the end, after all (Patrick Humphries, AMAZON.CO.UK REVIEW )
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VERNON PRESLEY was never particularly well regarded in Tupelo. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! Thoroughly recommended. 4 Oct 2001
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I was not a huge Elvis Presley fan when I started reading the first volume of Guralnick's superb biography of "The King".However, once I started the book, I was both entralled and it sent me to the records. For me, there can be no higher praise for a music biography. Guralnick tells the story of Elvis's upbringing, his early career and finally his entry into the US Army. It portrays him as a shy and genuine adolescent who went on to change the music business and inspire millions.
As well as looking at Elvis's early life and career, Guralnick turns the spotlight onto other remarkable characters in the story, such as Elvis's parents; Sam Phillips, the founder of Sun records; Dewey Phillips, the Memphis DJ; Elvis's bandmates; and of course the svengali manager 'Colonel' Tom Parker.In this account of Elvis's rise, we are also given an interesting account of the mechanics of the music business and the growing importance of American radio and television at this time. Guralnick manages to offer a portrait of Elvis that cuts through many myths, as well as a fascinating insight into his first concerts and early recording sessions at Sun Studios in Memephis. This is a superb, definitive account of Elvis's rise to fame.Overall, a highly recommended biography that I found difficult to put down.
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars At last - a genuine biography of Elvis 28 Dec 2004
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I have bought many books, in the past which claimed to 'tell the true story of Elvis Presley - only to be bitterly disappointed to find that the books just reiteratered the myths surrounding Elvis and told little of the man himself, but at last, reading this biography, I feel as if I have actually learned something. The book gives an appreciation of what life was like for Elvis during his early career and helps the reader understand the effect this must have had on him. I have already put in my order for Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley which is the follow on book from this - giving Elvis's story from the Army onwards
- can't wait
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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should read it! 30 Aug 2002
By Ms. D. Meylanova
Format:Paperback
(Speaking as a fan) I have read several books about Elvis, and many articles, but I have never found anything that increased my understanding particularly. This book does, to a greater degree than I could have expected. When I'm confused by off-the-point/embarrassed/obsessed fans, incomprehending sceptics etc etc, this book helps me out - it is quite of the highest standard in depth of understanding, humanity and literary quality. I'd give it six stars if I could.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Reading this now
Very interesting best book I have currently read about Elvis,trouble is I can't put it down reading until all hours.
Published 7 days ago by J M Dickinson
3.0 out of 5 stars Not my cup of tea
Found this went into much, much more detail than I needed or was capable of remembering. One for the true fans
Published 1 month ago by shufflingbob
5.0 out of 5 stars An Eye Opener
Super smooth transaction. As described and a great product. Recommended seller. I have many publications by this Author on Elvis and all are informative as he has a great... Read more
Published 2 months ago by kerry m johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars Quite brilliant
This and the second volume, Careless Love, constitute the best biography I've read of a major star. The author is so thorough that you almost feel you've lived Elvis's life - or at... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Friend of Dorothy
5.0 out of 5 stars Elvis Presley has never been so real
Given the mountain of literature I've read on the life of Elvis Presley, I would have imagined there was very little left to learn, until I read this book. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Muso
5.0 out of 5 stars Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley
I have never read a biography of Elvis before and, searching around, this seemed to be the one which most fans were praising as a serious look at the man and what made him who he... Read more
Published 13 months ago by S Riaz
5.0 out of 5 stars Last Train To Memphis
I enjoyed this book immensely on the life of Elvis. I would definite recommend it to fellow Elvis fans. I had to finish it an then went out to buy the follow up....
Published 14 months ago by midnightlady
5.0 out of 5 stars Rockin' Read!
This is an amazing book, charting the rise of Elvis from birth until
1958. Guralnick paints such an insight into Elvis' world, so that you really do feel as if you are... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Claire
4.0 out of 5 stars An absorbing account of the "King's" early career
Elvis Presley's musical career pre-dates me by one generation though I've always been aware of his legacy and, of course, his early rock'n'roll hits are central to the development... Read more
Published on 17 Feb 2011 by Neil Kernohan
5.0 out of 5 stars The only biog on Elvis to read...
Not only thedefinitive biography of Elvis Presley, but with it's sequel "Careless Love", Guralnick has written two of the most compelling, moving, exciting and thrilling books... Read more
Published on 6 Jan 2011 by Nico
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