Elvis Religion: The Cult of the King

From Publishers Weekly

"Even Elvis was only human," philosophy professor Reece says near the end of his book on the religious nature of Elvis worship. And so it is that the King is destined to remain a pop culture-and not a religious-icon. Reece takes on nonfiction and fiction works that argue Elvis was a deity or that his large, cult-like fanbase may one day blossom into a full-fledged religion, noting Graceland pilgrims are generally members of fan clubs who collect memorabilia-hardly the basis for a burgeoning faith. With admirable restraint, Reece sifts through the absurd publications prophesying Elvis's return or claiming he was the long-awaited messiah whose reappearance will signal the defeat of Satan. Informal, chatty prose makes for a pleasant read as Reece recounts hanging out with Elvis fanatics at the Heartbreak Hotel during happy hour and attending the Elvis Expo in Las Vegas. Though it's not likely to change believers' minds, Reece's survey is a fun read that should appeal to Elvis fans not awaiting the King's second coming.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"This touching personal portrayal touches the blurred line between sincerity and irony that characterises Elvis fandom...Reece's journey takes him away from the loving hoards in Memphis towards an increasingly kooky range of texts that parody the Elvis phenomenon as a cruel joke about obsession, the South, working class humility and taste. - Mark Duffett, Senior Lecturer in Media, University College, Chester"