Edited by Paul Kennedy, KP Books, USA, 2005, Softcover, 512 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 0896891364

Warman's Elvis Field Guide is an attractive, pocket-sized compendium roughly split into two distinct parts, part visual record and part discography/price guide. The first half of the book essentially looks at The King's life and career through an eye pleasing series of color and b&w photos and the second half details his American record (vinyl) releases, with catalogue details and a price guide. Undoubtedly the strength of Warman's Elvis Field Guide is its clear visuals - a pleasing mix of color and b&w photos from throughout Elvis' life and career. As a photo journal the book has some merit, although its small size is both a blessing and a curse, and there other better photo journals (eg. Elvis A Celebration) on the market, albeit in a much larger format.

All stages of Elvis' life are covered "visually": Early Elvis, G.I. Elvis, Hollywood, the '68-'69 Comeback and Las Vegas.

Several chapters include thoughtful narrative text (the introductory chapter and chapters on Hollywood and Graceland), and it is a great pity there isn't a lot more of this in the book.

Verdict: While a well designed and attractive looking book its appeal and use to fans, particularly collectors, is limited. If you're looking for a "pocket sized" photo book with vinyl release information this release certainly fits the bill.

Warman's Elvis Field Guide is available from amazon.com

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Quote:

"Elvis Presley is the supreme socio-cultural icon in the history of pop culture"

(Dr. Gary Enders)

Quote:

" Elvis is the 'glue' which holds our society together....which subconciously gives our world meaning"

(Anonymous)

Quote:

"Eventually everybody has to die, except Elvis"

(humorist Dave Barry)

Quote:

"He is the "Big Bang", and the universe he detonated is still expanding, the pieces are still flying"

(Greil Marcus, "Dead Elvis")

Quote:

"I think Elvis Presley will never be solved"

(Nick Tosches)

Quote:

"He was the most popular man that ever walked on this planet since Christ himself was here"

(Carl Perkins)

Quote:

"When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew I wasn't going to work for anybody...hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail"

(Bob Dylan)

Quote:

"When we were kids growing up in Liverpool, all we ever wanted was to be Elvis Presley"

(Sir Paul McCartney)