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Amazon.co.uk 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 )
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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First Sentence
VERNON PRESLEY was never particularly well regarded in Tupelo. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
VERNON PRESLEY was never particularly well regarded in Tupelo. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 32 people found the following review helpful
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.
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.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
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
- can't wait
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
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
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 1 month ago by S Riaz
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 3 months ago by midnightlady
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
1958. Guralnick paints such an insight into Elvis' world, so that you really do feel as if you are... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Claire
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 15 months ago by Neil Kernohan
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 17 months ago by Nico
The first 140 pages are only for hardcore Elvis-fans
I bought this book. But I have to warn people, that the first 140 pages could be a bit boring. That means until page 140 (out of aprx. 420 p. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Peter Thomsen
THE ELVIS BOOK TO OWN!
I read Careless Love (the second half of EP's life) before I read this account of the first half of Elvis' life - from his humble beginnings and supersonic rise to superstardom in... Read more
Published on 3 Feb 2010 by J. Purdy
Fantastic Book
This book is just fantastic ! Probably the best Elvis book I have ever read. A must read.
Published on 25 Aug 2007 by Marnei
You never stop learning!
I purchased this book for my wife who has read every book,purchased every recording and watched every film of Elvis. Read more
Published on 18 Dec 2006 by s
You will find no better book than this on Elvis
Peter Guralnick captures the feel of the times and the excitement of elvis' rise to success with effortlessly readable prose. Read more
Published on 8 July 2004 by D C
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