The Boy Who Would Be King: An Intimate Portrait of Elvis Presley by His Cousin

Greenwood, a cousin who grew up with Elvis and later became his press agent, attempts to explain the singer's turbulent life and career by detailing the events of his youth. Poverty, unstable parents, the death of a twin brother at birth, emotional attachment to his alcoholic mother are included in the litany of childhood misfortunes offered as explanations for the star's debauched behavior as an adult. We learn very little that matters about Elvis the performer or his music, however. Glossing over his cousin's professional accomplishments, Greenwood concentrates instead on the juicy details of his bizarre personal relationships, his drug abuse and his sexual encounters. The resulting ``portrait,'' written with freelancer Tracy, is yet another sensational account of the Elvis's life, and isn't even interesting. Photos not seen by PW. (Sept.)