--- product_id: 1608949 title: "Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley" price: "¥7415" currency: JPY in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.jp/products/1608949-careless-love-the-unmaking-of-elvis-presley store_origin: JP region: Japan --- # Elvis' last 20 years detailed Multiple award-winning biography 2nd volume deep dive Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley **Price:** ¥7415 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🎤 Unlock the untold saga of the King’s final act — before the curtain falls. ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley - **How much does it cost?** ¥7415 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.jp](https://www.desertcart.jp/products/1608949-careless-love-the-unmaking-of-elvis-presley) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Unrivaled Depth:** Explore Elvis' final two decades with unprecedented detail and insight. - • **Raw & Honest Portrait:** Experience the unfiltered truth behind the King’s rise, fall, and legacy. - • **Immersive Storytelling:** Feel like you’re living the drama with vivid, day-by-day accounts and intimate revelations. - • **Award-Winning Masterpiece:** Celebrate a biography honored by top critics and major literary awards. - • **Cultural Icon Contextualized:** Understand Elvis through the lenses of race, class, music, and personal struggle. ## Overview Careless Love is the critically acclaimed second volume of Peter Guralnick’s definitive biography of Elvis Presley, chronicling the King of Rock & Roll’s complex last 20 years. From his army days to his tragic decline, this award-winning book offers a richly detailed, candid, and deeply human portrait of Elvis’ life, career, and legacy, making it essential reading for fans and cultural historians alike. ## Description Careless Love is the full, true, and mesmerizing story of Elvis Presley's last two decades, in the long-awaited second volume of Peter Guralnick's masterful two-part biography. "A masterwork." ― Wall Street Journal Last Train to Memphis , the first part of Guralnick's two-volume life of Elvis Presley, was acclaimed by the New York Times as "a triumph of biographical art." This concluding volume recounts the second half of Elvis' life in rich and previously unimagined detail, and confirms Guralnick's status as one of the great biographers of our time. Beginning with Presley's army service in Germany in 1958 and ending with his death in Memphis in 1977, Careless Love chronicles the unravelling of the dream that once shone so brightly, homing in on the complex playing-out of Elvis' relationship with his Machiavellian manager, Colonel Tom Parker. It's a breathtaking revelatory drama that for the first time places the events of a too-often mistold tale in a fresh, believable, and understandable context. Elvis' changes during these years form a tragic mystery that Careless Love unlocks for the first time. This is the quintessential American story, encompassing elements of race, class, wealth, sex, music, religion, and personal transformation. Written with grace, sensitivity, and passion, Careless Love is a unique contribution to our understanding of American popular culture and the nature of success, giving us true insight at last into one of the most misunderstood public figures of our times. Winner of the Ralph J. Gleason Music Book Award Winner of the Southern Book Critics' Circle Award for Non-Fiction A New York Times Notable Book of the Year A Los Angeles Times Best Book of the Year A Publishers Weekly 's Best Book of the Year An Esquire Distinguished Book of the Year Salon Magazine ’s Top Five Non-Fiction Books of the Year Winner of the 1999 Salon Book Award People Magazine’s Best Rock And Roll Books Billboard 's 100 Greatest Music Books of All Time Review: Great book-very sad read - Careless Love, the second half of Guralnick's excellent bio of Elvis, is much harder to stomach than Part 1, due to the subject matter. Where Part I, Last Train to Memphis, told the story of Elvis during his glory years and rise to stardom, when he was literally on fire, Part II, especially the latter sections, is virtually the depiction of a prolonged death march. Elvis descends into drug dependency, mental instability, financial insecurity, decline of record sales and popularity, and hastily thrown together, financially motivated tours, combined with his getting fat and fuzzy and ill-fated love affairs. Elvis's inevitable death sitting on the toilet in Graceland while trying to defecate really comes as no surprise. However, as sad as all that is, Guralnick's portrait allows us to empathize with a really human Elvis, who, once a god, disintegrates into a jumpsuited pile of self loathing, self-pity and self-destruction. The reasons for this are many and Guralnick exposes them all: the death of his mother, so called friends and family who use him for his money, the Colonial mercilessly trying to push Elvis product, no matter the cost to Elvis himself, an apparent predilection for feeling "high", Feelgood "doctors" who provide Elvis with crazy amounts of "prescribed" drugs (the toxicity report stemming from the autopsy is disgusting), and a self-loathing that equals anything in Shakespeare's great tragedies. Elvis really had no one to blame but himself for what happened-as this book makes clear. But the book also makes clear the price he pays for the otherworldly success he experienced in the first Book, in which he was depicted, rightly so, as a virtual god, and treated as such by fans and those around him. The sad thing is that the book really gets across that what really mattered to Elvis was the music and his ability to communicate through music and his performances with fans, and as his ability to do so diminished over time, for all the reasons mentioned above, his own self worth and will to live diminished as well. Elvis went from the heights of fame and fortune, and ended up by the end of this book as an overweight, delusional, whining mess who ends up dying while defecating laying in the bathroom in a pool of his own vomit. Not pretty stuff folks, and the book doesn't flinch or shy away from the grim reality that Elvis ended up experiencing. One can point to the Memphis Mafia and the stupid "tell all" book they wrote that precipitated and possibly even hastened his death (what kind of "friends" would do that to someone? and I don't buy their BS excuse that they sold the book in order to "help their friend, who otherwise wouldn't listen to him", come on, complete bull), or the Colonial who really could care less for Elvis as a person, or for anyone else for that matter as this book makes clear, (see the "Colonial's" treatment of his own family), or Ginger, his last "girlfriend" who comes across as self-serving and motivated by her family to "marry him quick before he dies" for his money, or even his dad Vernon who was ineffectual in truly being there for Elvis emotionally and was clearly on the gravy train as well. But ultimately, Elvis was responsible for Elvis. And he simply could not handle being a mature person, couldn't handle growing old. Sad. But this is a great book, well researched, well written, and sad as it is, the depth and skill of the writing allows us to really feel for Elvis. Its just too bad that those around him seemed to never have really loved him as a person. His music, legacy and influence will stand the test of time. I think it is time for a re-evaluation of Elvis the artist. Sinatra and others have experienced revivals of their music, and I think Elvis's time will come, once the caricatures and jokes disappear. Review: "Elvis always kept his own world with him"--Lamar Fike - This review is for the audio cassette version. In order to play it, the listener will need either a player with left and right balance control or an adapter into which to plug speakers or headphones so as to listen to the left or right side at one time. The set includes 9 cassettes which are played twice--the entire cassette listening to only the left speaker and then the same cassette again listening to the right. This second volume of Peter Guralnick's exhaustive biography begins with Elvis's time in Germany as a member of the Army and finishes with his sudden death and media-frenzied funeral. The reader, curiously not named on the box or tape cases but listed here as J. Charles, progresses through the unabridged book at a brisk rate, but not too fast as to be difficult to follow. When reading dialog, he changes his voice. A lot of the people in this story he gives a hick accent which is a bit amusing but probably accurate. Careless Love is an extremely thorough book of Elvis's day-to-day life. He lived in his own self-contained world which was surprisingly even more pronounced when he was in the Army. His personal and professional life are told and analyzed. Guralnick chronicles recording sessions with excellent almost day-to-day, track-by-track detail. The artistic and political battles behind the 1968 television special are well described. Certain tracks and performances are given special attention and it is here where the author shows his fondest appreciation for his subject. Elvis's movie roles, on the other hand, are mostly criticized not only for the films' plots but also for Elvis's sometimes disinterested portrayals, although he fancied himself a serious actor. Other highlights include the background story behind Elvis's famous meeting with President Nixon and the rather ironic award of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs badge. Elvis was strongly patriotic and believed the counter-culture influenced by the Beatles to be a significant threat to American youth. Guralnick paints an often unflattering but fair picture of Elvis in his inner circle. Elvis was extremely self-centered and very demanding. He wanted to mold his girlfriends to fulfill his needs which were often childlike. He also, from back when he was in the Army on, pushed his amphetamine use on his friends so they could stay up with him and live by his schedule. Where the listener gets a more sympathetic view of Elvis regards his philosophical side--especially in the chapters where he discusses books, spirituality, and the loneliness and hollowness of his life with hairdresser Larry Geller (beginning on tape 3, side 2a). But again, in his selfish way, he forced his book-reading on Priscilla (she did adopt his love of karate, however). Still, as much as Elvis was the center of his own world, he didn't always wield much control. He was often influenced by the guys in his entourage, especially when he wanted to try new things musically. The Colonel Tom Parker also had a powerful influence over Elvis even if the King of Rock & Roll disagreed with him. Those interested in the fall of the King will find the last chapters of this book fascinating. Guralnick covers with excellent detail Elvis's rapid decline. In his later performances, Elvis is obviously described as overweight and disinterested and often complains about the venue and humiliates his musicians. His dependence on drugs lead to several scary moments where whichever girlfriend he had at the time would find him unconscious (once in a bowl of soup). He would lavish his friends and family with elaborate gifts yet display mood swings that were increasingly violent and threatening. The ignominious condition of his body once discovered is also described. This study is hardly sycophantic and goes into a lot of ugliness, but it appears honest and shows things as they were which is more often than not less than glamorous. For readers who want a thorough look at the latter half of Elvis's life to the point of almost feeling as though you were along for the ride, Careless Love is highly recommended. ## Features - Careless Love is the full, true, and mesmerizing story of Elvis Presley's last two decades, in the long-awaited second volume of Peter Guralnick's masterful two-part biography. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #79,101 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #23 in Rock Music (Books) #32 in Rock Band Biographies #151 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies | | Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,663 Reviews | ## Images ![Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rI4XfDJmL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great book-very sad read *by C***N on September 28, 2017* Careless Love, the second half of Guralnick's excellent bio of Elvis, is much harder to stomach than Part 1, due to the subject matter. Where Part I, Last Train to Memphis, told the story of Elvis during his glory years and rise to stardom, when he was literally on fire, Part II, especially the latter sections, is virtually the depiction of a prolonged death march. Elvis descends into drug dependency, mental instability, financial insecurity, decline of record sales and popularity, and hastily thrown together, financially motivated tours, combined with his getting fat and fuzzy and ill-fated love affairs. Elvis's inevitable death sitting on the toilet in Graceland while trying to defecate really comes as no surprise. However, as sad as all that is, Guralnick's portrait allows us to empathize with a really human Elvis, who, once a god, disintegrates into a jumpsuited pile of self loathing, self-pity and self-destruction. The reasons for this are many and Guralnick exposes them all: the death of his mother, so called friends and family who use him for his money, the Colonial mercilessly trying to push Elvis product, no matter the cost to Elvis himself, an apparent predilection for feeling "high", Feelgood "doctors" who provide Elvis with crazy amounts of "prescribed" drugs (the toxicity report stemming from the autopsy is disgusting), and a self-loathing that equals anything in Shakespeare's great tragedies. Elvis really had no one to blame but himself for what happened-as this book makes clear. But the book also makes clear the price he pays for the otherworldly success he experienced in the first Book, in which he was depicted, rightly so, as a virtual god, and treated as such by fans and those around him. The sad thing is that the book really gets across that what really mattered to Elvis was the music and his ability to communicate through music and his performances with fans, and as his ability to do so diminished over time, for all the reasons mentioned above, his own self worth and will to live diminished as well. Elvis went from the heights of fame and fortune, and ended up by the end of this book as an overweight, delusional, whining mess who ends up dying while defecating laying in the bathroom in a pool of his own vomit. Not pretty stuff folks, and the book doesn't flinch or shy away from the grim reality that Elvis ended up experiencing. One can point to the Memphis Mafia and the stupid "tell all" book they wrote that precipitated and possibly even hastened his death (what kind of "friends" would do that to someone? and I don't buy their BS excuse that they sold the book in order to "help their friend, who otherwise wouldn't listen to him", come on, complete bull), or the Colonial who really could care less for Elvis as a person, or for anyone else for that matter as this book makes clear, (see the "Colonial's" treatment of his own family), or Ginger, his last "girlfriend" who comes across as self-serving and motivated by her family to "marry him quick before he dies" for his money, or even his dad Vernon who was ineffectual in truly being there for Elvis emotionally and was clearly on the gravy train as well. But ultimately, Elvis was responsible for Elvis. And he simply could not handle being a mature person, couldn't handle growing old. Sad. But this is a great book, well researched, well written, and sad as it is, the depth and skill of the writing allows us to really feel for Elvis. Its just too bad that those around him seemed to never have really loved him as a person. His music, legacy and influence will stand the test of time. I think it is time for a re-evaluation of Elvis the artist. Sinatra and others have experienced revivals of their music, and I think Elvis's time will come, once the caricatures and jokes disappear. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Elvis always kept his own world with him"--Lamar Fike *by M***W on December 27, 2010* This review is for the audio cassette version. In order to play it, the listener will need either a player with left and right balance control or an adapter into which to plug speakers or headphones so as to listen to the left or right side at one time. The set includes 9 cassettes which are played twice--the entire cassette listening to only the left speaker and then the same cassette again listening to the right. This second volume of Peter Guralnick's exhaustive biography begins with Elvis's time in Germany as a member of the Army and finishes with his sudden death and media-frenzied funeral. The reader, curiously not named on the box or tape cases but listed here as J. Charles, progresses through the unabridged book at a brisk rate, but not too fast as to be difficult to follow. When reading dialog, he changes his voice. A lot of the people in this story he gives a hick accent which is a bit amusing but probably accurate. Careless Love is an extremely thorough book of Elvis's day-to-day life. He lived in his own self-contained world which was surprisingly even more pronounced when he was in the Army. His personal and professional life are told and analyzed. Guralnick chronicles recording sessions with excellent almost day-to-day, track-by-track detail. The artistic and political battles behind the 1968 television special are well described. Certain tracks and performances are given special attention and it is here where the author shows his fondest appreciation for his subject. Elvis's movie roles, on the other hand, are mostly criticized not only for the films' plots but also for Elvis's sometimes disinterested portrayals, although he fancied himself a serious actor. Other highlights include the background story behind Elvis's famous meeting with President Nixon and the rather ironic award of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs badge. Elvis was strongly patriotic and believed the counter-culture influenced by the Beatles to be a significant threat to American youth. Guralnick paints an often unflattering but fair picture of Elvis in his inner circle. Elvis was extremely self-centered and very demanding. He wanted to mold his girlfriends to fulfill his needs which were often childlike. He also, from back when he was in the Army on, pushed his amphetamine use on his friends so they could stay up with him and live by his schedule. Where the listener gets a more sympathetic view of Elvis regards his philosophical side--especially in the chapters where he discusses books, spirituality, and the loneliness and hollowness of his life with hairdresser Larry Geller (beginning on tape 3, side 2a). But again, in his selfish way, he forced his book-reading on Priscilla (she did adopt his love of karate, however). Still, as much as Elvis was the center of his own world, he didn't always wield much control. He was often influenced by the guys in his entourage, especially when he wanted to try new things musically. The Colonel Tom Parker also had a powerful influence over Elvis even if the King of Rock & Roll disagreed with him. Those interested in the fall of the King will find the last chapters of this book fascinating. Guralnick covers with excellent detail Elvis's rapid decline. In his later performances, Elvis is obviously described as overweight and disinterested and often complains about the venue and humiliates his musicians. His dependence on drugs lead to several scary moments where whichever girlfriend he had at the time would find him unconscious (once in a bowl of soup). He would lavish his friends and family with elaborate gifts yet display mood swings that were increasingly violent and threatening. The ignominious condition of his body once discovered is also described. This study is hardly sycophantic and goes into a lot of ugliness, but it appears honest and shows things as they were which is more often than not less than glamorous. For readers who want a thorough look at the latter half of Elvis's life to the point of almost feeling as though you were along for the ride, Careless Love is highly recommended. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Still a Fan *by M***M on June 30, 2016* For several years I've considered reading this and "Last Train to Memphis". I kept putting it off because I knew the ending was, inevitably, the saddest possible ending anyone could ever write. Also, after reading other reviews and hearing what some people described as the most intimate, detailed book of the "real" Elvis, I was afraid it would leave me feeling like [less] of a fan than I'd been all these years. I just didn't want to face the truth and all of it's painful details. Gladly, it has not changed my mind about Elvis. Guralnick's stories have been described as "too wordy, too full of details". I must say that I fully appreciate all of the specifics. The finely tuned descriptions and numerous accounts from those closest to Elvis made the story come alive. There are few things, although somewhat trivial, that I took issue with.... In "Last Train", Guralnick says that there was an absence of body hair that gave Elvis a somewhat effeminate look. Not so! In photos, he clearly has chest hair. If there was anything at all feminine about the man, it was his use of mascara, his pink, ruffled shirts and his affinity for jewelry. Of course this could have also described Prince, God rest his soul. Then there is the issue of his weight. We all saw how Elvis not only looks heavier in later years, but it is obvious that he's not only overweight, he's also swollen. But this isn't the only time that he's criticized for his girth. Early on in his career, specifically when he's making the movie "Frankie and Jonny, the director complains that he needs to go on a diet because he's "fat". I've seen that movie and many pictures from that time. I'm not sure what they were seeing, but he's not fat. Then there are the songs...Guralnick claims that Elvis "overpowered Bridge Over Troubled Water" and describes "I'm Leavin" as "another of Elvis's over-the-top-ballads". Ballads, by their very nature are poetic, sentimental. It was in Elvis's nature to pour out his heart and soul. As for "Bridge", saying that he overpowered it is completely silly. That song in particular stands as a testament to his vocal ability and monumental talent. It's nothing less than amazing that Elvis could [rock out] on songs like Polk Salad Annie or Jailhouse Rock then switch gears and perform an American aria of sorts, like "Bridge Over Troubled Water". For me, this song in particular is like "going to church". It's moving, comforting, uplifting, hopeful. I was blessed to have seen him live in concert. It was a defining moment in my life, as it was for thousands of other fans. And Peter Guralnick does an outstanding job of presenting each of his concerts in his books. Not to mention the nearly day-by-day account of his entire life. These books should stand as a blueprint for what not to do if you're an entertainer. As well as a blueprint for how to be the best entertainer you can be. The juxtaposition of an insecure Elvis with the Patriot Elvis is astounding. His dedication to the Jaycee's speech, for instance, it's contents and eloquence a testament to everything he was and could have been, yet wasn't. That evening after he received the award, he and Priscilla entertained guests at Graceland. Then again later at a local restaurant. To Priscilla, he was strong, brilliant, fully in control. How sad that he was so animated, so full of hope, only to forfeit it all and fall back into the same old traps. Somewhat like his excitement over the 68' Comeback Special. There is a palpable expectancy, and then, at the end as he sings "If I Can Dream", it's as though he is pleading not only for equality for mankind, but for his own freedom. And then the show ends, he walks away, satisfied that it was a success. The relationship that he'd formed with Steve Binder, left behind, forgotten. Binder had been so hopeful, so sure that Elvis could be so much more than the side show that Tom Parker had created. A prisoner to his own life. Trapped in a jaded castle with a gate and guards. Guards who would later turn on him. The contrast of Elvis's respect for and total disgust with Tom Parker is amazing. Parker's constant assurance that he only had Elvis's best interests at heart was his attempt to cover his own dishonest ass. The only thing he was ever interested in was keeping his cash cow on the road, on stage, making money. (Yet, he passes up a tremendous opportunity to really cash in on a serious movie when Streisand asks Elvis to co-star with her in "A Star is Born".)There was no movie terrible enough that he'd pass it up. There was no level of exhaustion on Elvis's part that would keep Parker from booking yet another concert. He simply didn't care. The most evident example of this is when Elvis finally expires. Parker is just too busy to shed a tear. He immediately launches into new plans to take full advantage of his death to make a buck. The women...There are so very many of them. He was like a kid in a candy store and all he wanted was a taste of everything. Just as he had no filter on how many cars he could buy, how many pieces of jewelry he would own, or how many bacon sandwiches he might eat at one sitting, he also had no limit to the number of women he would juggle at any given time. I remember considering how I might react if, while I was attending his concert, he would give out kisses to the women as they waited in line. Would I be one of them? (Of course I was only a kid of 14 at the time. I like to joke that I was probably just the right age.) And then I discovered that I was actually quite repulsed by the notion of waiting to be the next one to "swap spit" with Elvis, right after another girl/woman had just done that! If kissing him after numerous others had made me a bit nauseous I can't imagine how all of those women bedded down with him, many of them fully aware that another girl had either just left his bed or one was waiting in the wings to be the "next in line". And then, there is his unrelenting religious beliefs. There were times when he "searched" for answers outside of the bible, outside of Almighty God's Word. He often looked to other "paths", but ultimately he seemed to stick with the Christian upbringing that he'd had with his parents. As a fellow believer, I truly hope this is the case. And I hope that upon taking his last breath he was immediately in the presence of the Saviour. And lastly, I hope to some day see him and hear him singing again. In heaven. But that's just me... Overall, Peter Guralnick conveys Elvis's heart. His true feelings, his desire to reach people, to help those who were less fortunate. He never forgot where he came from. And he always gave the fans credit for his success, fame and wealth. These books are two of the best accounts of a life filled with hope, with fear, with fun, with anticipation and a life filled with the insecurities that are born out of fear. Out of poverty, out of a lack of education. Despite the lack of education, Elvis was quite intelligent and showed an appreciation for books of all sorts. His talent is almost indescribable. He set the stage for those who would follow in his footsteps. They have big shoes to fill. So far no one else has ever done what he did. No one ever could. He was the first. And Peter Guralnick has done an outstanding job of gifting us with the Story of Elvis Presley. If you are a fan you will get "it". If you're not a fan, shame on you. You should be. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.jp/products/1608949-careless-love-the-unmaking-of-elvis-presley](https://www.desertcart.jp/products/1608949-careless-love-the-unmaking-of-elvis-presley) --- *Product available on Desertcart Japan* *Store origin: JP* *Last updated: 2026-08-05*