When I first heard of this book, I thought “another idiot who talked to him recently”. I could not be further from the truth. Allen J. Wiener delivered a book on all of Elvis’ TV-work.
Design
There is not much design, only a few tiny pictures from the TV shows. The text-layout is good, which is easy on the eye and gives it a pleasant read.
Content
As said, the book is about Elvis’ TV work. This part of Elvis’ career is thoroughly well researched. The author did a great job here and even manages to give a credible different view on Steve Allen. Sometimes the book is a bit repetitive, but overall it is a more than enjoyable read.
Unfortunately the “bridges” are less well researched, causing unnecessary errors or omissions. Like in the chapter where mr. Wiener describes the period between the NBC-special and Aloha we “learn” that On Stage has studio-tracks, Elvis did only 2 movies in Hawaii, started to perform An American Trilogy as early as in 1971 and Joe Guercio is suggested to be the conductor since 1969. Too bad, since this takes a lot of credibility from the book.
Conclusion
If they only had a real fan proof read the book this could have been one of the better books on Elvis, now it is just above par.
P.S. I’d like to make an apology to the publisher, who kindly provided me with a review copy, for the time this review took. It is hard reading with one hand in plaster.
