Don't be blue, Hawai'i; Elvis lives on in books

By Ron Berthel
Associated Press

Having "The Elvis Treasures" (Villard, $50) is like having your very own copy of Elvis' scrapbook.

Robert Gordon has borrowed pieces of Elvis memorabilia from Graceland and copied them into an album to help tell the story of Presley's life.

Items include letters, press releases, film scripts, photographs, movie posters, print ads, record sleeves and magazine covers. There's also a 60-minute CD of Elvis interviews from the 1950s through the 1970s.

Among several facsimiles removable for closer inspection are Presley's 1955 contract with RCA Records and an invoice from a Hollywood costume company for a custom-tailored white jumpsuit ($2,300) and seven dozen silk scarves, assorted colors ($120 per dozen).

To make anyone's Elvis impersonation complete, there's a wallet with removable copies of Presley's Social Security card, Tennessee driver license and Screen Actors Guild membership card.

However, nothing is removable — at least not intentionally — in "Elvis: A Celebration" (DK, $50) by Mike Evans.

This hefty, 600-page volume, published with the support and authority of the Presley Estate, contains 620 photos, many in color. They illustrate a yearly chronicle of Presley's life, from childhood in Tupelo, Miss., through his rise to stardom, Army service, marriage to Priscilla, fatherhood, film career and Las Vegas performances.

Photos show Elvis at the White House with President Richard Nixon; at home with Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie; at age 2 with his mom and dad; and with his prom date.

Among Elvis memorabilia displayed are hats, buttons, album covers, trading cards, newspaper articles, movie posters, dolls, a diary, postage stamps and ticket stubs.