TRUST US: There have been dozens of...

TRUST US: There have been dozens of books covering Elvis Presley’s life through the August, 1977, morning when he was found dead on the floor of his Graceland bathroom--books by everyone from his hairdresser to the gatekeeper. But this month’s recommended reading carries the Elvis legend from his death on.

No, Greil Marcus’ “Dead Elvis” (Doubleday, $25) isn’t a study of Elvis sightings. Marcus, one of rock’s most eloquent social historians, explores the continuing cultural obsession with the man who remains rock’s greatest single star--the way his influence or image keeps appearing in everything from punk songs to works of art to cartoons (“Life in Hell”) to public prayers.

Marcus’ narrative is rambling, but the collection of “Elvisisms”--from humorous to poignant--makes the book a jewel. Sample of the more playful entries:

* A reprint of an ad from what appears to be the personal column of a sex-oriented tabloid. Next to a photo of a man in an Elvis suit, are these words: “Ladies and couples . . . Ever had a fantasy about Elvis, ever dreamed of (having sex) with him while he was alive? Well here is your chance. An Elvis look-alike is ready to fulfill your dreams. . . . If interested, please write with a possible photo and SASE to . . . .”

* Larry Speakes, press secretary for President Ronald Reagan, opened a press conference on Jan. 8, 1987--which would have been Elvis’ 53rd birthday--by playing a tape of Elvis’ “That’s All Right (Mama).” He told the reporters he had no new information on the President, but that reporters could ask him “anything at all about the King.”

* And, finally, “ELVIS DIES AGAIN”--a notice in the San Francisco Chronicle in 1990 of cancellation of the first installment of the ABC-TV show “Elvis.”