The Two Kings: Jesus & Elvis

by A.J. Jacobs

Armed with Elvis biographies and a King James Bible, an investigative journalist compares the King of Rock and Roll to the King of Kings, in a hilarious, outrageously illustrated exploration of Elvis's claim that he was the Messiah. 60,000 first printing. $60,000 ad/promo.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music, Humor

172 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It really wasn't at all what I was expecting. Then again, nothing really explained it besides a comparison study of Jesus versus Elvis - so I was thinking more essays, fewer pictures. This is a funny read, probably best relegated to the coffee table or the bathroom, it pairs quick one liners 'Jesus was the light of God' 'Elvis studied to be an electrician' with a caricature of Elvis. If you are an AJ Jacobs fan, I recommend it for your shelves - to find it, try AbeBooks.com.

[Maryann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I fell in love with the books of A.J. Jacobs and quickly ordered them from the library. This one however was a true waste of time! A little over 100 words and great graphics, it compares the King of Rock and Roll to the King of the Jews. It was good for a laugh, but not much more than one laugh. I still love the author and many of his books but this one can only be used to level a table.

[Scot · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books ever. Makes me laugh just thinking about it.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not at all what I was expecting . . .

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, inventive book, although I believe Christians would find it a bit offensive. More of a picture book and unlike anything I have read of Jacobs, but his iconoclastic wit had me chuckling.

[Melody · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read a couple of books described as hilarious that just don't measure up. This one at least made me smile. Maybe even chuckle.

[David Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Two Kings: Jesus & Elvis by A.J. Jacobs, illustrated by Eric White (Bantam Books 1994) (818) (4027).

This book is HILARIOUS. Here’s the premise, as set forth in this little volume’s “Introduction”:

“On a clear night in Palm Springs in 1974, Elvis Aaron Presley confided a secret to his personal hairdresser: He believed he was Jesus Christ.
Astounding and shocking, no doubt. But what if Elvis was right?
Religious scholars and musicologists have been strangely silent on the issue…..
In the interest of truth and enlightenment, an intensive three-year investigation was launched to examine the Elvis-as-Messiah theory….
Although dubious at first, researchers began to notice bizarre parallels and strange similarities between the King of Kings and the King of Rock ’n’ Roll….
Here, for the first time ever, are the results of this groundbreaking research….
Coincidences? Perhaps. You be the judge.”

What follows is a rib-tickling comparison of the accomplishments of the two kings. For instance, “Jesus walked on water. (Matthew 14:25). Elvis surfed. (Blue Hawaii, 1961).” And another: “Jesus’ mother was a virgin. Elvis’ mother was a virgin - at one time.” One more? “They took up stones to cast at Jesus. (John 8:59). Elvis was often stoned.”

Readers will either love this book or burn it; it all depends on which king they bow to.

My people are getting copies of this next Christmas!

I purchased my used PB copy in brand-new condition from Amazon for $6.71 on 1/07/25.

My rating: 9/10, finished 2/28/25 (4027).

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

[Jordan Neff · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOO IT COUNTS

[John Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed a lot.