Thunder from the Right

“As a towering figure of midcentury anti-Communist activism, Benson stands at the center of these emerging epistemological circuits–a surprising, improbable, and perversely delightful payoff to the satisfying and multifaceted collection.” –Journal of Mormon History “Thunder from the Right is a fascinating volume on the life, political career, and ministry of the most famous Mormon in politics prior to Mitt Romney, as well as on the inner workings of the LDS Church during the apostleship and presidency of Ezra Taft Benson. Matthew Harris and the other contributors have constructed a detailed look at an LDS Church official who freely blended politics and religion and helped set the LDS Church and its membership on a course of political conservatism that it only now is moving away from. This is a must read for LDS scholars and lay audiences who want to understand both how one church leader sought to place his stamp on LDS political views and how fellow church leaders and members at the time were leery of being defined by the extremist worldview of Ezra Taft Benson.”–Richard Davis, Brigham Young University “Thunder From the Right is an outstanding book by an excellent group of scholars who have written a collection of essays that will amaze, fascinate, inform and probably trouble you.” –Association of Mormon Letter “The essays in this book help to flesh out the life and character of one the most influential and controversial Mormon leaders of the twentieth century. In doing so they make an important contribution to a too often neglected period in Latter-day Saint history.”–Nathan B. Oman, author of The Dignity of Commerce: Markets and the Moral Foundations of Contract Law ​”An impressive and thought-provoking volume. Thunder from the Right delivers on its promise to ‘offer a fresh and stimulating retrospective assessment of Ezra Taft Benson’s life and legacy.’ The book illuminates the significant relationship between the Mormon faith and the rise of the New Right in the United States, adding considerably to our understanding of the role of religion in shaping Cold War domestic politics.” –Mormon Studies Review ​”This volume provides an important overview of Benson’s public life and legacy. The contributors are respected, serious scholars. Highly recommended.” –Choice “As a towering figure of midcentury anti-Communist activism, Benson stands at the center of these emerging epistemological circuits–a surprising, improbable, and perversely delightful payoff to the satisfying and multifaceted collection.” –Journal of Mormon History ​“Thunder From the Right is an outstanding book by an excellent group of scholars who have written a collection of essays that will amaze, fascinate, inform and probably trouble you.” –Association of Mormon Letters

Matthew L. Harris is a professor of history at Colorado State University-Pueblo. He is the author of The Founding Fathers and the Debate over Religion in Revolutionary America.