I recently spied a copy of an oversized paperback book entitled Elvis, A Celebration in Pictures by Life magazine. Originally, it was released as a hardcover in 1995. Although I already had most of the pictures in my collection, I could not resist buying a copy.

This is thumbnail outline of the major events in the King's life - a short book, only 128 pages, which can be read in probably two to three hours. What made it worth the $10 cover price for me were the rare photos taken during Elvis' army induction.

These pictures manage to cover almost every aspect of his induction, including an army physical where he is stripped to his jockey shorts (along with seven other poor souls who perhaps do not know they are on display in Life magazine wearing only their BVDs). I find this nothing short of amazing since the press was so intent on labeling Elvis as lewd in 1958, yet turned around and took pictures of him practically nude. I've only seen one other picture of Elvis in this state of undress - on that occasion, he had a measuring tape around his neck!

The book also contains a number of other shots which I had not seen before - a rare photo of Elvis lying on an army bunk, and several of him with Colonel Parker which may never have been previously released, or are rarely printed.

Consequently, if you have a desire for rare shots of the King, as well as some of his better-known pictures, you might hop down to the book store and try and find a copy of Elvis, A Celebration in Pictures.

Seeing is believing!