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The Impersonal Life
Author: Joseph S. Benner
Published in paperback by DeVorss Publications
ISBN 0-87516-767-5
The Impersonal Life
When I first heard of "The Impersonal Life," I was informed that its title was, "Elvis: The Impersonal Life." I therefore thought that someone had cleverly used the title of one of Elvis's favourite books in a new biography. When the book arrived, however, "Elvis" did not form part of its title and the book turned out to be a new edition of "The Impersonal Life" itself.
This, of course, means that this is not really an Elvis book at all! Even so, its connections with Elvis might make the book of some interest to Elvis fans.
"The Impersonal Life" is a small paperback edition of a title that was originally published early in the previous century. The cover is largely red, presumably to draw attention, and is decorated with an early portrait of Elvis, the Graceland logo, and a quote from the Jess Stearn book, "Elvis' Search For God." In addition, the cover informs the reader that this is the book "in which Elvis Found the Light."
It seems to me that the timing of the publication is rather unfortunate, given the recent events in the world, as the book can perhaps be described as more fundamentalist Christian than anything else -- its cover certainly seems to promote this Christian aspect. Note that this is my own opinion of the contents of "The Impersonal Life" -- the publishers, on the other hand, describe it as "a manual of spiritual teaching and discipline," and state that it is "not a denominational, sectarian or 'cult' work."
In spite of this, the design and content almost make one think that Graceland (this particular edition is referred to as "The Graceland Edition" and the Graceland logo does, after all, appear on the cover) is trying to further a sort of gospel according to Elvis in Elvis's own Little Red Book (remember Mao's?)!
"The Impersonal Life" is written in overly flowery language, typical of that used to make a greater impression than the contents of such tracts merit. That somebody in Elvis's position, with his basic insecurity and poor education, should find solace in the sort of writing contained in "The Impersonal Life" is hardly surprising. Very surprising, on the other hand, is that Graceland has chosen to help promote this new edition. Most Elvis fans are aware that this book, along with "The Prophet" and the Bible, were among Elvis's list of favourite titles: are we to expect special "Elvis editions" of these, too?
I respect anyone's beliefs and I respect the fact that Elvis was clearly a person who had a strong Christian faith. I do not share that faith, nor any other, for that matter, and I do not like the idea that Graceland is now apparently using Elvis's faith as a sort of promotional medium.
It is said that Elvis read and reread "The Impersonal Life," that he gave many copies away, urging the recipients also to read the book, and that he made copious notes in his own copy or copies of the book. If Graceland and the publishers had really wanted to give the fans an insight into Elvis's way of thinking, an annotated version of "The Impersonal Life," incorporating Elvis's own notes would, I believe, have been a far better option.
David Neale
copyright November 2001