Under the Banner of Heaven
A Story of Violent Faith
📘 About This Book
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the author of Into the Wild and Into Thin Air, this extraordinary work of investigative journalism takes readers inside America’s isolated Mormon Fundamentalist communities. • Now an acclaimed FX limited series streaming on HULU. “Fantastic.... Right up there with In Cold Blood and The Executioner’s Song.” —San Francisco Chronicle Defying both civil authorities and the Mormon establishment in Salt Lake City, the renegade leaders of these Taliban-like theocracies are zealots who answer only to God; some 40,000 people still practice polygamy in these communities. At the core of Krakauer’s book are brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty, who insist they received a commandment from God to kill a blameless woman and her baby girl. Beginning with a meticulously researched account of this appalling double murder, Krakauer constructs a multi-layered, bone-chilling narrative of messianic delusion, polygamy, savage violence, and unyielding faith. Along the way he uncovers a shadowy offshoot of America’s fastest growing religion, and raises provocative questions about the nature of religious belief.
📖 Summary
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer is a deeply compelling work of investigative journalism that plunges readers into the secretive, isolated world of American Mormon Fundamentalism. Published in 2004, the 434-page book examines how religious zealotry and extreme fundamentalist beliefs can clash violently with civil society and the mainstream Latter-day Saint establishment based in Salt Lake City. At the heart of Krakauer's narrative is a horrific true crime: the brutal murders committed by brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty. These renegade leaders, defying both civil authorities and modern religious moderates, insisted that they had received a direct revelation and commandment from God to kill an innocent woman and her baby girl. By weaving together this specific, chilling murder case with the broader, complex history of the Mormon faith, Krakauer explores how historical figures like Joseph Smith and Brigham Young shaped a culture that could occasionally foster such radical interpretations of divine will. The book sheds light on the hidden corners of the American West, where approximately 40,000 people still practice polygamy within insulated, theocratic communities that answer only to God rather than secular laws. Through meticulous research, interviews, and historical analysis, Krakauer constructs a narrative that is frequently compared to true crime masterpieces like In Cold Blood and The Executioner's Song. He questions the nature of religious faith, the power of fundamentalism, and the thin line between devout religious conviction and fanatical delusion. The book ultimately challenges readers to examine how extreme interpretations of scripture can manifest in modern society with devastating consequences, making it a landmark text in the true crime and investigative journalism genres.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Meticulously researched historical and investigative background
Engrossing and suspenseful true crime narrative style
Deeply thought-provoking examination of religious extremism
Compelling comparisons to classic works of journalism
⚠️ Cons
Can be dense due to extensive historical digressions
Subject matter is intensely violent and disturbing
✍️ About the Author
Jon Krakauer (b. 1954) is an American journalist and author known for gripping narrative nonfiction, including 'Into the Wild' and 'Into Thin Air'.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Who wrote Under the Banner of Heaven? +
The book was written by acclaimed author and journalist Jon Krakauer.
When was the book published? +
It was published in 2004.
What is the primary true crime event covered in the book? +
The book centers on the brutal murders committed by brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty against an innocent woman and her baby.
Does the book discuss polygamy? +
Yes, it explores isolated fundamentalist communities where tens of thousands of people still practice polygamy.
Is there a screen adaptation of the book? +
Yes, it has been adapted into an acclaimed FX limited series streaming on Hulu.
