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Elvis! An Illustrated Guide to New and Vintage Collectibles |
By Steve Templeton |
| Courage Books, 125 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103-4399, 1996, pp. 127, $17.98, hardcover. |
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| "To collect Elvis Presley memorabilia is to collect true Americana," enthuses the author of Elvis!. From records to photographs, dolls to Christmas cards, the entertainment giant continues to evolve as a collecting phenomenon, with ever-increasing prices paid for mint condition items. "A board game that retailed for $3.98 when it first appeared in 1957," writes Templeton, "was sold in 1984 for $400. If that same game were to appear on the market today, it would probably sell for about $1,000." After a general discussion of value, condition and demand, the author offers a chronological look at Elvis collectibles through a history of his career. The beginnings of Elvis Presley Enterprises, the singer's years with Sun and RCA, and Elvis in print, the movies and Las Vegas are all illustrated with corresponding items. Captions include approximate prices. In the final chapter, "The Marketing Continues," collectibles produced today are featured, among them commemorative plates, ornaments, watches and bubble gum. "For the most serious collector," writes the author, "the items from the 1950s will always represent the best. However, the craftsmanship of the modern products makes them worth collecting." Worth it or not, they'll cost you a hunka hunka burnin' change.
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