Biographical illustrated scrap book of Elvis Presley.

Who on the planet doesn't know that Elvis Presley gave electrifying performances and enthralled millions? Who doesn't know that he was the King of Rock 'n' Roll? But who knows that the King himself lived in the thrall of one dominant person? This was Gladys Smith Presley, his protective, indulgent, beloved mother. Elvis and Gladys, one of the best researched and most acclaimed books on Elvis's early life, reconstructs the extraordinary role Gladys played in her son's formative years. Uncovering facts not seen by other biographers, Elvis and Gladys reconstructs for the first time the history of the mother and son's devoted relationship and reveals new information about Elvis—his Cherokee ancestry, his boyhood obsession with comic books, and his early compulsion to rescue his family from poverty. Coming to life in the compelling narrative is the poignant story of a unique boy and the maternal tie that bound him. It is at once an intimate psychological portrait of a tragic relationship and a mesmerizing tale of the early years of an international idol. “For once, a legend is presented to us by the mind and heart of a literate, careful biographer who cares,” wrote Liz Smith in the New York Daily News when Elvis and Gladys was originally published in 1985. This is the book, Smith says, “for any Elvis lover who wants to know more about what made Presley the man he was and the mama's boy he became.” The Boston Globe called this thoughtful, informative biography of one of popular music's most enduring stars “nothing less than the best Elvis book yet.”

This boxed set includes a CD of interviews and other recordings of Elvis's thoughts. Also included are facsimiles of some of his most personal documents, including his high school diploma, his contract with Sun Records, and a hand-written letter sent to his girlfriend.

An intimate account of legendary entertainer Elvis Presley, featuring stunning photography and exclusive stories from Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, and more Behind the King of Rock and Roll was a husband, father, son, cousin, friend, and spiritual seeker. In Elvis by the Presleys, those who knew him best come together to memorialize our greatest star, featuring hours of exclusive family interviews, Elvis quotes, and private family photographs and images of personal memorabilia from the archives of Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises. Elvis by the Presleys reveals life at Graceland like never before. Graceland is seen as a teeming family retreat, where the kitchen was the center of operations; where tag football games were played in the yard; where folks drove golf carts up and down the hills; and where Elvis spent many of his happiest times. We witness the arc of his love affair with Priscilla; Elvis as a father to his adored Lisa Marie; his obsessions and passions; and the strength of his musical legacy, which continues unabated to this day. There are Christmas cards here, too; contracts and invoices; selections from Lisa Marie’s childhood scrapbook; and even a picture of the champagne bottle (signed) from Elvis and Priscilla’s wedding. Elvis by the Presleys is the tumultuous story of the life of a lovely yet complex man; a portrait of the career of a brilliantly accomplished yet often frustrated artist; an insider’s tale of enduring love, related with warmth and unguarded candor . . . and a story told the way only a family can tell it.

"Just as the city of Memphis helped shape Elvis Presley to become the King of Rock 'n' Roll, so too did Elvis leave his indelible stamp on the city he loved. Two Memphis institutions - The Commercial Appeal and Elvis Presley Enterprises - have jointly opened up their archives to offer a unique portrait of the city and the man. You will find hundreds of photos, articles, artifacts, front pages, quotes, and a comprehensive timeline that tells this remarkable story. Many of the images inside are extremely rare - culled through extensive research by staff librarians and archivists."--Dust cover.