Under the Banner of Heaven

A Story of Violent Faith

By: Jon Krakauer

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2003 Jon Krakauer (P)2003 Books on Tape, Inc., Published by arrangement with Random House Audio Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Scrupulously reported and written with Krakauer’s usual exacting flair, Under the Banner of Heaven is both illuminating and thrilling. It is also the creepiest book anyone has written in a long time—and that’s meant as the highest possible praise.” —Newsweek

“Powerfully illuminating. . . . Almost every section of the book is fascinating in its own right, and together the chapters make a rich picture. . . . An arresting portrait of depravity.” —The New York Times Book Review

“Illuminating . . . provocative. . . . Krakauer is an adept chronicler of extremists [and] the tour guide of choice for secular quests.” —Los Angeles Times Book Review

Couldn't stop listening

I am actually a big fan of the narrator, Scott Brick, so I took a chance at this one. I was captivated from the beginning until the end. I can understand how Mormons would not like this book, but for me, it was wildly informative. I have seen television programs on some of the subject matter and this brought a lot of it together for me.

Enjoyed; not for Mormons or Fans of the Church

Thoroughly enjoyed the detailed history of the LDS Church, and it's parallels to the Lafferty Bros murders. Can seem disjointed, the way Kraukauer switched back and forth between the 1800s and the 80's, but makes interesting comparisons between historical events. The book comes off as vicously anti-Mormon though. Would have preferred a more fair and balanced tone.

Great listen, highly recommend the listen

A dark and thrilling history of Mormonism brilliantly narrated by Scott Brick. I knew bits and pieces of the Mormon faith beforehand, but didn’t realize some of the darker truths to the religion. Krakauer takes you though the full history of the faith, inclusive of acts otherwise seen as carnal sin, but under the banner of heaven and divine instruction, become acts of god.

Very Interesting...

This book IS very interesting but not what I expected. which might be my own fault as to the subject, but I thought it would be more about the murder of Brenda and her baby, the investigation and the actions of that case in court. That story is included, but I would call the book more of an analysis of the Mormon history and operation.
But it is interesting, well written, and very well narrated.
On a personal note, throughout the book, the author makes a number of references of the Mormons being lumped together with the other Christian denominations and sects. I'd certainly disagree with that--just my personal opinion--but there are significant basic differences in theology and church practices...

Fascinating story compellingly told

John Krakauer weaves together the origins of Mormonism, the foundations of fanaticism and brutal murder into a compelling tale. His book is truly a rewarding read or listen.

Amazing book.

Loved it. I love Jon Krakauer's writing style and narration. He continues to be my favorite author.

Should be essential reading

Extremely dense, but gripping. Everyone should know this story; it's a useful mirror by which to examine one's own beliefs.

classic, gripping, krakauer

the one book I couldn't stop listening to, from preface to conclusion, krakauer captivated my senses

Informative, while being a light touch

A sympathetic look at the offshoots of the LDS organization while trying to be honest about some of the harm that has come from them

Well researched

This book is well done. Explains the history of Fundamentalism in Mormonism by using polygamy to show how irrational faith is in every religion. Well done!