Trace the Musical Journey of Elvis Presley with 'Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley'

Dawn: First off, I must confess that I'm not what one would call a fan or follower of Elvis' music. I'd say I have more of a passing interest in his music, life, and influence on American culture. That said, I found Guralnick's biography fascinating and at times simply could not put it down. I understand why those who've read it call it the comprehensive and definitive Elvis biography. Elvis Presley came to life for me in these pages and I am thankful that my passing interest in Elvis lead me to this engaging, comprehensive, beautifully written and insightful account of his early life and music.

United States on Nov 13, 2023

Marie Ann Butler: Bought this for my daughter and she absolutely loved it

United Kingdom on Nov 12, 2023

Rob: This is a tremendous work! Guralnick truly demonstrates how special Elvis was without covering for some of his obvious transgressions. He presents Elvis as he was not how we should see him or how the author wants us to see him. As an Elvis fan it's difficult to read of his struggles but they are presented with context. I appreciate the work.

United States on Oct 27, 2023

Rod Butler: The dates, places, names, clothing, meetings and details are all quite amazing, as if the author was actually there when deals were being done and recording taking place. The book was heavy to begin, but stick with it for an insight on what it was like to be part of the Elvis story.

United Kingdom on Sep 16, 2023

Dawn MacD: Excellent book - read the paperback many years ago, and now have it on the Kindle book.

United Kingdom on Aug 16, 2023

Anonimo: Muito bom!

Brazil on May 30, 2023

Laleska: Não esperava uma capa dura, obviamente, mas a capa do livro é fina e não possui nem um revestimento em plástico simples, o que torna vulnerável a manchas e a deterioração mais rapidamente. As páginas, no entanto, possuem boa gramatura; mesmo sublinhando trechos com marca texto não transparece no verso da página. A entrada foi bem rápida. Estou satisfeita, mas recomendo que se deseja adquirir o produto, o compre em capa dura.

Brazil on Apr 01, 2023

melina zoran: Musical innovation is full of danger to the state, for when modes of music change, the laws of the state always change with them. (Plato, The Republic)

I only caught something of the aftermath of Elvis' music as I was a child in the seventies, but recently I became intrigued with people like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and the Beatles who rose from poverty and obscurity to unfathomable stardom. What were the circumstances at the time that sprouted such abundance of talent, innovation and catalytic changes in music?

I decided to begin by exploring the ascent of the King. Peter Guralnick' portrayal of Elvis' life in this first volume, from early childhood to his departure for Germany, was a remarkable feat of writing. In fact, I could not put the book down, as the author depicts the era so vividly, it feels as if you are taking a journey back in time. Every aspect of Elvis's life is dissected, so much so that that one has the uncanny feeling that the author was omnipresent, able to witness it all firsthand. He mentions the clothes Elvis wore on particular appearances, what he had for dinner, what he said on a particular date with a girl, and so on. It is all done so...

United States on Feb 28, 2014

Avid Reader: Most people are familiar with the broad outlines of the Elvis Presley story -- how a young man (still a teenager) became an overnight sensation and changed pop music and pop culture forever. But the incandescent heyday of Elvis was so short and his decline was so long that it's hard to appreciate how astonishing the Elvis phenomenon was. This book sets the record sraight and provides a nuanced and sensitive reading of his youth, his musical influences, his personality, and the culture that engulfed him. It's everything you always wanted to know about Elvis, packaged in a way that really makes you feel as if you were there.

There's much that sticks in my mind from this book, but the strongest parts are the descriptions of the life he led as a kid and teenager in Memphis. Elvis' family was poor, not quite living on public assistance but poor enough to live in subsidized housing after they moved from Tupelo, Mississippi, to Memphis when his father sought higher-paying factory work. Elvis was about 12 at the time of the move, and he was a country boy. His family left behind their close relatives in Tupelo, which was disorienting. Also, the big city and big-city schools...

United States on Apr 25, 2010