Where to start withUnder the Banner of Heaven
2 versions · originally a book, 2003
Themes: religious extremism, fanaticism, institutional corruption, true crime, investigative journalism.
Start with Under the Banner of Heaven (Jon Krakauer) — the book. Under the Banner of Heaven exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a book in 2003; each is ranked below by what it does best.
These accounts explore the harrowing intersection of religious extremism and violent crime within the insular world of Mormon fundamentalism.
✦ Most fans start here
Under the Banner of Heaven
The original novel
✦ Start hereUnder the Banner of Heaven
Jon Krakauer · Book
The 2003 book provides an exhaustive journalistic investigation into the historical origins of LDS fundamentalism, offering readers a dense, non-fiction deep dive into the theological roots of the tragedy.
2022 series
Under the Banner of Heaven
Dustin Lance Black · Series · 2022
The 2022 TV series dramatizes the investigation through the lens of a fictionalized detective, prioritizing character-driven tension and the atmospheric psychological toll of uncovering a community's dark, hidden secrets.
Common questions
Is the Under the Banner of Heaven TV show based on the book?
Yes, the 2022 Under the Banner of Heaven television series is an adaptation of the 2003 non-fiction book of the same name by Jon Krakauer. Both works explore the history of the Latter Day Saint movement and the specific double murder case that serves as the central narrative.
Should I read the Under the Banner of Heaven book before watching the series?
Reading the 2003 Under the Banner of Heaven book before watching the 2022 television series provides a deeper understanding of the historical research and religious context presented. While the series adapts the core events, the book offers extensive investigative detail regarding the origins of the faith and the criminal investigation.
Does the Under the Banner of Heaven book contain the same events as the TV show?
The 2003 Under the Banner of Heaven book and the 2022 television series both cover the same historical subject matter and the specific criminal case. The television adaptation utilizes the narrative framework established in the book to dramatize the investigation into the murders within the fundamentalist Mormon community.
How long is the Under the Banner of Heaven book compared to the TV show?
The 2003 Under the Banner of Heaven book is a non-fiction work spanning over 400 pages of investigative reporting. In contrast, the 2022 Under the Banner of Heaven television series is a limited series that condenses these historical and criminal events into a multi-episode dramatic format for viewers.