Released in the last week of 2004 is the book “The Ultimate Elvis In Munich Book”. Is it the ultimate book on Elvis' visits to the city?
Design
If we would have seen this book in a store it would catch our eye immediately due to the great picture of Elvis on the cover. It shows again Elvis had the head of a model, even in these casual snapshots he looks great.
The design of the book is stylish and used consequently throughout the entire book. The left page shows the picture, the right page the text in both German and English making this book suitable for the international market. In some sections both pages are filled with images, memorabilia and clippings from various media.
Most of the book is in black and white, but many memorabilia items, clippings and color pictures are presented in color.
Content
The book details two visits Elvis made to the Bavarian capital Munich. After a short introduction on the city and the main characters of this book (Elvis and Vera Tschechowa) the book tells the story of Elvis’ first trip to Munich to visit Vera. In a day-by-day style we learn what Elvis did, and the pictures illustrate it perfectly. Elvis meeting Vera, going to her parent’s house, making a boat trip, visiting the theatre or the movies and of course the Moulin Rouge club.
The second time Elvis visited the city he was on his way to Paris. He visited the Moulin Rouge again. The book also features the transcript of an interview he did in Munich on a local radio station, it would have been great if that ever surfaced.
Besides documenting Elvis two visits to the city in detail, this author also tries to uncover certain subjects. Were Elvis and Vera “lovers”, did Elvis make studio photo’s in Munich?
Did Elvis and Vera “have a fling?” Many photos of the couple were featured in magazine on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. But the “couple” put an end to it by simply denying it. As for the photo session … you will have to read the book yourself. The book ends with several interesting interviews Elvis did with various media.
Conclusion
Contrary to books with many pictures from the same event (mainly concert books focusing on one or two concerts) this book doesn’t get boring because there are plenty of different angles to the same content and plenty of material / memorabilia to paint a complete picture of the events.
The book documents the two visits of Elvis to Munich in colorful and factual detail. The many illustrations and pictures make this book a very interesting read and a worthy addition to the books written on Elvis stay in Germany.
Is it the ultimate book on Elvis' visits to the city? Probably yes, only an updated re-print can top this one.
You can buy your copy from the author's site using the link below.