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Elvis Religion: Exploring The Cult Of The King

September 16, 2005 | Book
Set for release March 2006 by I.B. Tauris is the book "Elvis Religion: Exploring The Cult of The King" from Gregory L. Reece (ISBN: 1845111648).

Synopsis:

The first portrait of Elvis as religious icon From Graceland to Las Vegas, from fans to impersonators, from novels, films and popular music to internet websites, outsider art and tabloid conspiracy theories, the cult of Elvis Presley has, since his death, become ever more imaginative. Elvis Religion explores the frequently bizarre and weird - yet sometimes moving - phenomena growing out of this world and investigates what it is that has turned the King of Rock 'n' Roll into a god-like figure. Elvis, we discover, is found everywhere.

He is not just an icon for late night lonely hearts in Memphis, or Elvis impersonators on a Vegas stage, but is the inspiration behind the violent visions of movies like Mystery Train and Wild at Heart, the kitsch sanctuary of Graceland Too, the music of Kirsty MacColl and Paul Simon, and the internet church for whom he is a supernatural being who dwells in the constellation of Orion. Gregory L Reece makes a journey to discover the Jumpsuit Jesus for himself, which takes him into the heart of fan obsession. Along the way, he discovers that if Elvis Saves it is because now, more than ever, the Memphis Messiah seems like a prophet for our times.
Source:Elvis Club Berlin
MauriceColgan wrote on September 15, 2005
Here in Holy Irelandtoo Elvis fans will be laughing loud at this one. Sure we might as well enjoy the fact that the cover will attract attention to Elvis in bookstores at least! Elvis's beautiful Gospel music may benifit from increased sales?
sttos wrote on September 15, 2005
I think this is another overblown book. Elvis is the undisputed king of rock and roll and most probably the greatest entertainer of all time, but it is no religion. Elvis fans are just passionate about all things Elvis. Elvis himself didn't consider himself different then any other person on the street. He just happened to be a very talented person and just happened to be named Elvis Presley.
reissergio wrote on September 16, 2005
How can you take seriously a book that print on the very cover a reversed photograph. Elvis' face is clearly printed wrongly. His hair was never divided on the right side of his head. This same mistake has been made by many "respected" publications in the past, but it would never fool a long time fan.
Pachakuti! wrote on September 16, 2005
Well, there are some pro's and contra's to be considered here. Elvis was a very humble and generous man, quite shy actually; he's also very misundertood. Elvis, as far as I know, never proclaimed to be 'the messiah', but it is pretty obvious that the people saw him that way. I hope that, at least, this book will be able to give a positive contribution. I guess that it's better to have a book like this, than one which is just about spreading lies and/or rumours (like 'Elvis, What Happened'). The Irish guy Bono from the band U2 has said that Elvis was a sort of Messiah, an Elvis Christ. We may agree or we may not! Anyway you look at it, Elvis is missed throughout the world and the Live Aid events would have been so special with a guy like Elvis!
Renan Augusto wrote on September 17, 2005
That´s disgusting...
CD King wrote on September 17, 2005
What a load of crappy sh*t...