Books about Elvis Presley

Last Train to Memphis
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August 16 marks the anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley, one of the greatest American entertainers who ever lived. His life was fascinating to people across the world, and his music remains in the collective consciousness of his fans. Numerous books have been written to commemorate the life of this magical, tragic man and for those with even a passing interest in his life or his music, any of these books would be perfect for a read in memory of Elvis.

Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley, by Peter Guralnick, details the live of Elvis Presley before his name was a common household word. For the first 24 years of his life, Elvis was relatively unkown, and Guralnick does a thorough job of explaining the man before he was a star.

Elvis by the Presleys
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Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley, by Peter Guralnick, is one of the best of the multitude of biographies written on the life and career of Elvis. The counterpart to Last Train to Memphis, it follows Presley’s life from his introduction to stardom to his untimely death. Many biographies take creative liberties with the facts surrounding aspects of Presley’s life and death, but Guralnick’s work has been noted for its rigorous fairness and meticulous attention to fact. For those looking to start learning about the life of Elvis or for a dedicated fan, Careless Love is an excellent choice.

The Elvis Encyclopedia, by Adam Victor, is a very detailed portrait of the life of Elvis during his time in and out of the limelight. Featuring numerous photographs of the star, including some rare pictures unseen by many, this is one book sure to delight any fan. In addition to more basic biographical facts, there are also entries on Elvis’s opinions on religion, as well as his last will and testament.

E is for Elvis
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Elvis by the Presleys, a book written by Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley, is filled with family stories, photographs and acts as a companion volume to other media recollections of Presley family members. Although it is not a comprehensive retelling of life with Elvis, Elvis by the Presleys is a warm and inviting series of memories and images pair in tribute to the man they knew and loved.

E is for Elvis: The Elvis Presley Alphabet, by Jennie Ivey, W. Calvin Dickinson and Lisa W. Rand, is a whimsical and interesting look at the King. Beautifully illustrated by Ron Wireman, Jr. and featuring entries like O is for Overweight, E is for Elvis offers a humorous and magical look at the image of Elvis and the magic h

Books about Elvis Presley