Photographs by Marvin Israel
Edited & designed by Martin Harrison (1998)
Review :
This morning a nice surprise arrived at my door ( Thanks Rodney!!! ), it's a new book containing photographs taken in 1956 by Marvin Israel. That book is a real delight for the eyes, not much text within but just enough for understanding where the photographs were taken, besides the photos speak by themselves.
Apart from Ger Ryjff's books, I haven't seen too many books that can captured the ultimate cool Elvis of the '50s, the overall design is just fantastic and breathtaking. Mr. Harrison certainly understood the essence of Marvin Israel's work and also what Elvis was all about during a very early stage in his career.
The photos bring you in late May of 1956 in Dayton, Ohio, right there you see Elvis hanging out with the band before his two shows, you see him backstage and finally several captures of his two performances in Dayton. The live concert shots are just GREAT and you can almost feel the excitement of what was going on in the auditorium, even better you can almost hear the music.
We get to see Elvis after the concerts and meeting some of his fans, then Elvis returned to Memphis and Mr. Israel followed him there for other never before seen photographs taken at Elvis' home with the King getting ready for a ride in motorcycle.
I can only wish something here, it's that Marvin Israel took much more pictures of the Hillbilly Cat than the ones featured in this excellent book, a second volume would be more than welcome. While waiting for some more, you can get further details about the book at Abrams On Line
Make yourself a favor, get this book as this is really a MUST!!!! These are among the best photobooks I have seen from that period.
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