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"This book masterfully weaves together the story of a double murder with the history of the Mormon church to paint a picture of the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints as a totalitarian state in our very own country."
Liz Rodriguez - Books-A-Million, Niles, IL

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Krakauer shifts his focus from extremes of physical adventure to extremes of religious belief in this true story of an appalling double murder committed by two Mormon Fundamentalist brothers who insist God commanded them to kill.

Related Categories:
Books > Religion > Christianity - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (
Books > True Crime > Murder - General
Books > History > United States - 20th Century (1945 to 2000)

Under the Banner of Heaven

Tackling a force as formidable as any nature might offer, Jon Krakauer explores the nature of religious belief in what may be his bravest book yet. In this national bestseller, he traces the history of the Mormon religion from its beginnings in 1830 in New York state to the founding of its Utah-based headquarters in 1847 to modern times. But Krakauer's real focus is on modern-day groups of fundamentalist radicals who have split from the denomination's mainstream due to doctrinal differences. The rebel Mormons' story, dotted with incidents of violence, abuse, pedophilia and murder, forms the core of Krakauer's surreal report from the American West. This darkly fascinating account of Mormonism is thoroughly researched and engaging. A reading group guide is available online at www.randomhouse.com/anchor.