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The latest two books from Paul Belard continue to impress thanks to Belard's ability to source an incredible array of well known and obscure images of Elvis and important archival material. EIN's Nigel Patterson took a peek inside each book to discover what is on offer. Here is Nigel's review of Elvis September 1958 - Germany Bound. Read EIN's review of Paul's other recent book Elvis January-February 1956
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As with most books from Paul Belard, it is the combination of photos and archival material that dominate and drive the book.
The visuals in Elvis September 1958 - Germany Bound include full sections devoted to Elvis’ press conferences, boarding the USS Randall, and on-board the ship.
Particular highlights are a seven page spread covering Elvis' "second most famous kiss" and 12 pages of photos of Elvis playing the piano aboard the USS Randall (see image below).
Among the other notable visuals are:
- Elvis at full stretch hanging over the railing of his train to kiss a lucky fan (Jane Willbanks)
- glorious color images of Elvis during his farewell press conference
- a smouldering profile shot of Private Presley
- the ‘new look’ short haired Elvis is neatly in focus in a full page image of the back of his head, neck and shoulders
- the Army's most famous recruit signing a press release with his arm around the neck of an attractive WAC at Fort Hamilton Army Base
- Elvis saying goodbye to Colonel Parker
- Elvis in the ship’s library
- Elvis and his “bunk” partner, Charlie Hodge
- Elvis dining at the Captain’s table
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Archival Material
Complementing the visual component of Elvis September 1958 - Germany Bound is an array of fascinating archival material.
The archival items are important as they add salient context to and primary reporting around the significance of Elvis’ leaving for Germany. They include:
- US Army official press memo about Elvis’ departure for Germany
- cover image and story around the book of poetry Elvis took with him to the press conference
- transcript of Elvis’ farewell press conference before departing for Germany
- New York Times news item: Private Presley Sails
- a copy of an interesting two page handwritten fan letter
- record covers
- promotional RCA items
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About Paul Belard's Elvis publications: Each book is one of a series of scholarly works which explore Elvis Presley’s career and his impact on society here in the USA and abroad. It is a non-profit endeavor, and each book will be sold at cost.
(Book Review) Elvis Black and White to Technicolor (Paul Belard and Joseph Krein): The latest release from Paul Belard (with Joseph Krein) is one of the more important Elvis books in recent years. The reason why is that addresses the controversial issue that Elvis was racist. The authors tackle the subject of Elvis' relationship with Black America head on through a balanced and impressive mix of text and image. Belard and Krein's research has uncovered rare archival material on the issue and the book includes hundreds of comments about Elvis by Black Americans.
Read Nigel Patterson's detailed review (Book Reviews; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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