Hey, MB.
When I was a student years ago, I was once told by a respected, wise person to read the classics and the trash so as to learn the difference. When I am reading a book on Elvis, I simply know it's not going to be Dickens or Shakespeare. Dickens and Shakespeare both wrote fiction which contained a lot of truth about humanity.
Some Elvis writers have evidently lacked a focus on facts. I don't have to read any Elvis book; it's just a choice for me to choose some like turning to a tv channel or radio station. Also, I can read it with mere curiosity without getting upset and form my judgment, good or bad. I probably have about 3,000 keeper books with 50-60 titles on Elvis alone for reference after reading them once.
The Nash book was a gift from my wife, so I read it! :)
I read books on a wide variety of topics regularly, some academic, others not.
In some books today that attempt a chronological biography with a specific focus, such as one on Elvis' early recordings, or stint in the military, or film career, or Vegas years, or involvement with females from infancy to death, it's not uncommon for a writer to document and refer to earlier print sources, and interviews, just as another author would do for books on historic figues, sports legends, celebrities, etc. Those interviewed could be honest or may embellish as many humans tend to remember things and tell them subjectively.
What sometimes surfaces is a mismash of facts, myths, and conjecture. It doesn't take a critical reader with some research done, very long to discern who is writing facts and otherwise. So, it is possible a writer may include foibles of other writers, too. Obviously, that could be subject to criticism as well. The reader can choose to quit reading and/or return the book to the library or the trash can or recycle bin...
Also, there is a concern about proprieties for both the author and the reader. Readers should be aware, especially with unauthorized bios, some authors are also trying to have a best-seller and have the urge to sensationalize, yet some of Elvis' real associates have never once talked out of loyalty and friendship. Those facts are forever sealed...
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