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Last Train to Memphis: Rise of Elvis Presley
 
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Last Train to Memphis: Rise of Elvis Presley (Paperback)

by Peter Guralnick (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
RRP: £12.99
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Product details

  • Paperback: 578 pages
  • Publisher: Abacus; New edition edition (2 Nov 1995)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0349106517
  • ISBN-13: 978-0349106519
  • Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.9 x 3.9 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 10,135 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories:

    #1 in  Books > Music, Stage & Screen > Music > Composers & Musicians > Rock & Other Styles > Elvis Presley
    #11 in  Books > Biography > Film, Television & Music > Theatre
    #16 in  Books > Biography > Theatre & Performance Art

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Product Description

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 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, AMAZON.CO.UK REVIEW
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Customer Reviews

8 Reviews
5 star:
 (8)
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Average Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! Thoroughly recommended., 4 Oct 2001
By A Customer
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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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should read it!, 30 Aug 2002
By Ms. D. Meylanova (Moscow, Russia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
(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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7 of 7 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
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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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars 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

5.0 out of 5 stars 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 sm

5.0 out of 5 stars 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 Jul 2004 by D C

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitive
THE biography of the early years of that amazing man from Tupelo. Written by a sympathetic fan, who acknowledges Elvis' faults but doesn't exaggerate them - neither does he... Read more
Published on 12 Feb 2000

5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal
As Bob says, you can feel Elvis breathe when you read this book...

It is the most detailed and fascinating book I have read on ANY subject. Read more

Published on 29 Jul 1999

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