Product Description

Coinciding with the twentieth anniversary of his death, the best-selling author of Elvis and The Lives of John Lennon provides this definitive account of the final hours of Elvis's life. Reissue."

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #793244 in Books
• Published on: 1990-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 10 pages

Customer Reviews

LAWDY, LAWDY, LAWDY It's Gaudy!
To quote Shakespere, the uproar this book caused was "Much ado about...." you guessed it. Okay, here's the story- Albert Goldman, a man who disliked Elvis intensely, wrote this acid account detailing The King's most intimate eating, dating, and bathroom habits. Just how Mr.Goldman acquired this information, I leave to one's own imagination. For good measure, he throws in descriptions of Graceland, Elvis' relationship with his mother- in short, his OPINIONS about Elvis Presley. However, through the years the book has taken on a life of its own. People in the "Memphis Mafia" and other inner circles who cooperated with its publication were scorned and cursed as "Judas" by die hard fans, and are to this day. Albert Goldman's book jacket picture was actually fashioned into a bull's eye by outraged Elvisphiles for the throwing of darts. Reading "THE Book", is akin to sacrilege for the Elvis-is-my-life fan, and Goldman is likened to Satan. My opinion? Whether you love Elvis, are indifferent to him, or could care less, this book is like chocolate- you hate yourself for consuming it, but you do it anyway. I was an Elvis fan before I read it, and after. Don't be afraid to challenge your idols. If they're as great as you say, they will stand up to it and it won't shake your admiration. Actually, the book itself is nothing earth shattering, and it certainly isn't one of your timeless classics. It's what it was meant to be- a trashy, dishy gossipfest. It's gotten more attention than it's worth, in my humble view, and so did its author, who, incidentally, was found dead,in his bedroom, bloated and under mysterious circumstances, an irony that was not lost on me.

Can't make up my mind!
Like it or not, this book was at times pretty entertaining,sad and shocking. I love Elvis(been to Graceland)and i don't like him portrayed as a pathetic man.Reading this book made me sad more than anything else.I don't believe that Elvis committed suicide, he was so sick he didn't need to.I also don't have any faith in the sources Goldberg uses throughout the book. I liked the picture of the floorplan of Graceland in the middle.So, make up your own mind.

HUMANIZING A "KING"
Goldman (or is it "COLDMAN"?), does indeed become sarcastic at times, and his desciption of certain events are emblazoned with the MAD MAGAZINE SEAL OF APPROVAL. Yet his stitching together of Presley's career and life, doesn't seem to deviate from the accounts offered by Elvis' own "Memphis Mob". If anything, after reading this unauthourized bio, I feel more in touch with Elvis than ever, and also have a decidely more positive view of Elvis. I really feel for the man. Moreover, I appreciate his work more than ever, and share with Elvis his dream of being a serious actor. I despise Colonel Tom, and see the "inner circle" for the manipulative and exploitive parasites they were. Seems to me, Goldman was the best person to pen this bio, as he is somewhat grandiose as well. Perhaps we all are. Even the King! In a left-handed way, thats a compliment to Elvis. He was just like you and me.