Being Elvis: A Lonely Life
Being Elvis: A Lonely Life examines Elvis Presley’s rise to fame and the constraints and personal vulnerabilities described as shaping his life. The listing presents it as a biographical account of his music, films, manager and the isolation of celebrity.
At a glance
- Focuses on the experience of Elvis Presley’s fame and the limits it placed on his choices.
- Covers his musical influence, film career, relationship with manager Tom Parker and later touring years.
- The listing describes his rise from a poor Southern background and his blending of gospel, rhythm and blues, and country.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Offers a biographical perspective centred on the personal costs and constraints of celebrity.
- The listing spans Presley’s recording and film careers as well as his later live performances.
- Customer feedback praises the informative content, writing style and emotional storytelling.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | W&N |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 26 September 2017 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 368 pages |
| Weight listed | 300 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.6 x 3 x 19.4 cm |
| ISBN-10 | 9781474604574 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-1474604574 |
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
The listing describes the book as an account of Elvis Presley’s life and career. Its emphasis is on fame, vulnerability and the forces shaping his choices, rather than a technical reference to his music.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Elvis Presley fans interested in a reflective biography of his public success and private constraints.
- Readers looking for context on Presley’s music, films, management and later career.
- A gift for someone interested in Elvis Presley biographies.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a music-only analysis or a reference limited to discography and recording details.
- Readers who prefer uniformly light or easy reading, as customer feedback is divided on readability.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
72% 72% - 4 stars
18% 18% - 3 stars
8% 8% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback highlights the book’s informative content, writing style, candid approach and emotional storytelling, with some readers recommending it to Elvis fans and as a gift. Readability is mixed, so buyers seeking a consistently light read may want to bear that in mind. The overall rating distribution is mostly positive, but ratings alone do not explain individual readers’ reasons.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the informative content and writing style.
- Readers describe the account as candid and emotionally engaging.
- Some customers recommend it to Elvis fans and consider it a suitable gift.
Mixed feedback
- Readability divides readers, with some finding it easy to read and others describing it as difficult.
Frequently asked questions
What is Being Elvis: A Lonely Life about?
The listing describes a biography exploring Elvis Presley’s fame, musical influence, film career, manager Tom Parker and the personal vulnerabilities and constraints that shaped his life.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 368 pages.
Is it an easy read?
Customer feedback is mixed. Some readers describe it as easy to read, while others find it difficult.
What language is the listed edition?
The listed language is English.
