The Tao of Elvis

Author: David Rosen

Publisher: Harcourt Inc.

ISBN: 0-15-600737-1 (paperback, 200 pp.)

During the sixties I was very interested in Hatha Yoga, though more for the physical advantages of the subject than the spiritual; in the seventies I had a flirt with macrobiotics; the eighties seem to have been something of a vacuum (although I discovered Macintosh!); lately I have practiced Tai Chi. I have long had a dislike of organised religion, though find the similarities in many religions to be fascinating. I have also always disliked attempts to try to fit Elvis into some kind of religious role. All that is just to give you some idea of the person writing this review about a book with the somewhat worrying title (at least at first sight) of "The Tao of Elvis."

Perhaps even more worrying is the cover of the book! It shows Elvis apparently in some sort of gold lamé oriental outfit, sitting in the Lotus position, with hands in a similarly yoga-styled position: he could almost be singing "Yoga Is As Yoga Does"! Sadly, the cover almost gives the impression that the book is a parody and I'm sure that many fans will have given the book a miss upon seeing it ("The Tao of Elvis" was first published last year).

But please don't be put off by the title or the cover. "The Tao of Elvis" is a thought-provoking and refreshing look at aspects of Elvis considered in the context of Taoism. What is Tao? Well, for this writer that's still quite a tough question, though I suppose "life force" might be a reasonable, though inadequate attempt at a brief description. If that seems all too brief (which it is), author David Rosen provides a more ample explanation in the introduction to his book. For now, suffice to say that Tao is an ancient "belief," dating from the sixth century BC, the basic premises of which can be found in most religions and other sympathetic doctrines.

Rosen takes forty-two Taoist concepts -- one for each year of Elvis's life -- and considers them in relation to Elvis. Each concept is handled in exactly the same manner: an initial title page, accompanied by a relevant quotation; a second page containing four brief Taoist texts which have bearing on the concept; a page of four quotes by Elvis or others, which identify Elvis's relation to the concept; a page of comment by the author, clarifying the context. Some of the concepts included are Giving and Generosity, Pain and Suffering, Success and Failure. The title-page quotes come from a wide variety of sources, including Shakespeare, Kahlil Gibran (author of The Prophet," said to be one of Elvis's favourite books), Mahatma Gandhi, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Other quotes are from familar names in the Elvis world, including Linda Thompson, Larry Geller, Rex Mansfield and none other than Little Richard, who manages to sum up Elvis in just ten words!

Sounds complex and contrived? Well, it's not, though some of the Taoist texts require careful reading in order to understand their subtleties. Indeed, the book is probably not one that should be read through quickly from cover to cover. Rather it can be picked up and opened to read just one or two of its chapters, which should provide plenty of material for thought and consideration.

"The Tao of Elvis" does not attempt to force any form of religious belief on its reader, nor does it attempt, thank goodness, to show that Elvis was some form of god, saint, sinner, or whatever. Elvis is, of course, an example simply because of his fame which helped magnify his excesses; he therefore proves to be an excellent subject for comparison. This is what is done so well in the book and it is exactly this that makes "The Tao of Elvis" so thought-provoking and, indeed, refreshing. I have to admit that I was not enamoured of the book when I first heard of it, but that was a mistake -- I enjoyed reading it and shall certainly return to it for a more careful examination.

The title, after all, is appropriate, so if you have already come across this book and have passed it over because of the title or the cover, consider again. It's a different look at aspects of Elvis and is well worth a careful read.

Just a pity about the cover!

David Neale

copyright January 2003

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