Elvis by the Presleys

For the first time, the inside story of legendary entertainer Elvis Presley's life featuring intimate stories from Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, and other family members

This stunningly illustrated book depicts Elvis as a husband, father, son, cousin, friend, spiritual seeker as those who knew him best come together to memorialize our greatest star. Culled from hours of family interviews (much of it appearing exclusively in this book), enhanced with Elvis quotes, and illustrated with private family photographs and images of personal memorabilia from the archives of Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises, Elvis by the Presleys is an extraordinary document about an extraordinary figure.

In all, the book is the compelling result of a historic gathering of voices of those who not only witnessed from the wings Elvis Presley's public life, but also knew the superstar out of the spotlight. His former wife Priscilla Presley, their daughter Lisa Marie Presley, his cousin Patsy Presley Geranen, Priscilla's parents, and members of the combined and extended families sensitively and candidly share their intimate perspective on the real person, while at the same time celebrating one of America's greatest stars. Elvis by the Presleys is a uniquely fascinating treasure.

As Priscilla Presley puts it in Elvis by the Presleys, "Who can think of Elvis without thinking of Graceland?" Here 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.

Elvis by the Presleys reveals life at Graceland like never before. 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.

Here, now, 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

Auteur

Lisa Marie Presley has been in the public eye since before she was born. The daughter of two famous people, Lisa Marie was tasked with the daunting challenge of finding her own path while still maintaining her strong family connection and love for her southern roots. She's had a career as a model, carried signs for deeply felt causes, testified before Congress and-last but definitely not least-she's tenaciously explored and grown as a respected music artist. Aside from her full-time job as mother, wife and music artist, Lisa Marie always finds time to help others. She has founded two organizations, Presley Place and Presley Charitable Foundation. She also works closely with Citizen's Commission on Human Rights and The Dream Factory.

Priscilla Presley met Elvis in 1959, when he was twenty-four and she was fourteen, and was his wife from 1967 to 1973. After their divorce, she began studying karate and acting, and after Elvis's death in 1977, she started working in film and television. She starred in the show Dallas for five years, and had successful roles on Melrose Place and in all three Naked Gun movies.