ELVIS Presley and the author Chris Hutchins got to know each other through a common mentor - Colonel Tom Parker. The man who managed the King of rock 'n roll treated the writer as a confidant. And that's what makes this book unique.

Right from the earliest pages, the Colonel reveals his true feeling about Elvis and the unusual relationship they had. In one of the many letters he wrote to Hutchins he explains for the first time why it wasn't his fault that Elvis never travelled to perform outside the United States.

Moving as freely within the Presley circle as he was able to, the author came into close contact not only with Elvis himself but also his family, friends and staff: everybody from Elvis's wife Priscilla, daughter Lisa, father Vernon, tour manager and closest companion Joe Esposito, show business buddies like Tom Jones - even his cook Mary Jenkins knew and talked to Chris Hutchins who even took the Beatles to party at his home.

That's what makes this book A Personal Memoir.