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'Christmas with Elvis: The Official Guide to the Holidays from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll' - by Robert K Elder Running Press, 2021, Hardback and Kindle, 144 pages, Illustrated, ISBN-13: 978-0762469765 About the author: Robert K. Elder is the author of several books, including Read Your Partner Like a Book, The Mixtape of My Life, and Hidden Hemingway. His work has appeared in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, Salon.com, and many other publications. He has worked for Sun-Times Media and Crain Communications, and is the founder of Odd Hours Media. He lives and writes in Chicago. The new book is available in hardcover and Kindle formats, and also available is a Christmas with Elvis bobblehead + book set. The Christmas season was a special time of the year for Elvis. Surprisingly, despite its importance to him, little has been written about the subject. Prior to Robert Elder’s new release, there had been only one other substantive non-fiction book about Elvis and Christmas, the similarly titled Christmas with Elvis by Jim Curtin and Renata Ginter (published in 1999). Robert Elder’s approach to the theme is an interesting one. His book is designed like a Christmas Party Elvis himself would have liked. The book description well encapsulates what the reader finds:
Christmas with Elvis was produced with the cooperation of Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) and in this respect, Robert Elder, had access to EPE’s vast archives in researching and writing the book. The book cover, with its deep green background color, gold strip around the spine, and full length image of Elvis in his famous gold lamé suit, is striking.
Inside, there is a song-by-song consideration of each track of Elvis’ (original) Christmas Album and Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas, a section on the ’68 Comeback Special, Christmas memories, holiday recipes, and more. The author also discusses how Colonel Parker capitalized on Christmas. Mirroring Elvis’ love of Christmas, the Colonel cleverly used it to promote not only Elvis, but himself. A selection of the colorful Elvis and the Colonel Christmas cards (and their internal messages) that were sent to relevant music and film industry executives and fan club presidents, are featured. Other interesting sections are Elvis’ Christmas Bromance (can you guess who with?) and Elvis’ love of gift giving. The festive season recipes are mouth-watering, with treats such as Blue Christmas Pistachio Dessert, Snowy Christmas Lemon Squares, and Brandy Milk Punch.
The photos in the book are high quality. They include Elvis enjoying the festive season, his holiday album covers, and performing live on stage. Stand out images are several nice shots of Graceland gloriously decorated for the season, and one of Elvis resplendent in his Army uniform carrying a bag and papers while swirling snow blankets him and dots the surrounding air. We have seen these images before but they are always a pleasure to see again, especially in such good quality. Christmas with Elvis also features several well drawn color images by Chris King.
The book’s page design is excellent with many pages exhibiting neat yuletide patterns and imagery, and there is great use of white space. The colors are rich and not surprisingly, predominantly festive season red, white and green. In addition, various pages are colored to reinforce the Christmas spirit. The font size is very good and the use of varying font colors again emphasises the underlying theme. All pages are crisp and clean. As for the twist fit for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, you will have to read the book to find out what that is. Verdict: Christmas with Elvis: The Official Guide to the Holidays from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is a welcome addition to the Elvis book canon. It deserves to be a major seller as we approach Christmas Day. Attractively priced with great content and design, that together, colorfully reflect the book’s uplifting festive theme, it is a perfect stocking filler or personal treat. Christmas with Elvis Bobblehead: With Music!: Complementing the book is a Christmas with Elvis Bobblehead: With Music! Set. It comprises a cute 3.5 inches Elvis bobblehead and miniature 48 pages book. The bobblehead plays the chorus from three of Elvis’ well known Christmas carols: The First Noel, Silent Night, and O Little Town of Bethlehem. The book includes statements by Elvis about Christmas, background to the three carols and what is probably Elvis’ most popular yuletide hit, Blue Christmas. This set is another great stocking stuffer that won’t blow your holiday budget!
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