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Rating: 
Summary: 50 Year Old Authors Should Die or Retire
Review: Based on the fact that JS has a new book in which he dogs rock stars over 50, etc., I don't think anyone should read his .
Rating: 
Summary: Evhohi, li'l Momma!
Review: John Strausbaugh is always a riot. In "E - Reflections on the Rebirth of the Elvis Faith," JS gives us a guided tour through the development of the devoted and protective cult (and I don't use the term in a derogatory way) that surrounds the life, image and persona of Elvis. From taking part in Elvis Week at Graceland to exploring the historic precedents of taking a mere mortal and "deifying" him, Strausbaugh explores a fascinating phenomenon. He draws comparisons between Elvis and the cults of Dionysus (the obvious comparison) and Orpheus the bard/demigod who has more in common with Elvis than Dionysus. The most fascinating comparison, however is with Antinous - a male paramour of Emperor Hadrian - whose mysterious drowning and deification inspired a grass-roots cult that long outlasted the grieving Hadiran. JS compares the more avid Elvis Impersonators with Voodoo and Santeria rites that involve the loa mounting the practicioner during the ceremony.
Only a truly humorless person would dimsiss this book. It is not a bizarre recruiting tool or a drab, colorless dissection: It is an entertaining yet half-serious romp that explores the public's tendency to immortalize or flat-out deify a celebrity. Staunch monotheists who are revolted by the concept should reflect on their errant youth and recall whether or not they had a private "shrine" in their bedroom exalting a favorite athlete ("Be Like Mike,") musician ("Clapton is God,") or actor ("The Divine Bette Midler?") If not, bene. If you did... GOTCHA! ;)As a companion to this book, you may also want to read John Strausbaugh's "Rock 'Til You Drop." It is a merry evisceration of the altars we erect for the leather-faced rock stars who refuse to pack it in... COUGH! mickjagger COUGH! keithrichardspetetownshendjohnnyrotten COUGH! *ahem* There we are...
Rating:
Summary: Evhohi, li'l Momma!
Review: John Strausbaugh is always a riot. In "E - Reflections on the Rebirth of the Elvis Faith," JS gives us a guided tour through the development of the devoted and protective cult (and I don't use the term in a derogatory way) that surrounds the life, image and persona of Elvis. From taking part in Elvis Week at Graceland to exploring the historic precedents of taking a mere mortal and "deifying" him, Strausbaugh explores a fascinating phenomenon. He draws comparisons between Elvis and the cults of Dionysus (the obvious comparison) and Orpheus the bard/demigod who has more in common with Elvis than Dionysus. The most fascinating comparison, however is with Antinous - a male paramour of Emperor Hadrian - whose mysterious drowning and deification inspired a grass-roots cult that long outlasted the grieving Hadiran. JS compares the more avid Elvis Impersonators with Voodoo and Santeria rites that involve the loa mounting the practicioner during the ceremony.
Only a truly humorless person would dimsiss this book. It is not a bizarre recruiting tool or a drab, colorless dissection: It is an entertaining yet half-serious romp that explores the public's tendency to immortalize or flat-out deify a celebrity. Staunch monotheists who are revolted by the concept should reflect on their errant youth and recall whether or not they had a private "shrine" in their bedroom exalting a favorite athlete ("Be Like Mike,") musician ("Clapton is God,") or actor ("The Divine Bette Midler?") If not, bene. If you did... GOTCHA! ;) As a companion to this book, you may also want to read John Strausbaugh's "Rock 'Til You Drop." It is a merry evisceration of the altars we erect for the leather-faced rock stars who refuse to pack it in... COUGH! mickjagger COUGH! keithrichardspetetownshendjohnnyrotten COUGH! *ahem* There we are...
Rating: 
Summary: An Excellent Look at American Pop Culture
Review: Strausbaugh does a remarkable job of exmaining the fine line between popular culture, celebrity and religion meet in America.
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