Picture an American storyteller who turned Mormon history into a gripping saga—meet Gerald Lund! A former LDS Church general authority, educator, and prolific author, Lund brought the past to life with his beloved series, The Work and the Glory. His knack for blending historical accuracy with heartfelt storytelling has captivated readers, making him a cornerstone of LDS literature.
Born in 1939 in rural Utah, Lund’s journey from a small-town kid to a literary icon is as inspiring as his novels. His faith, education, and service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shaped his unique voice, weaving spiritual depth into tales of courage and conviction.
The Making of Gerald Lund
Gerald Niels Lund grew up in Fountain Green, Utah, before moving to Salt Lake City and later Murray. After serving a mission in the West Central States, he earned a B.A. and M.S. in sociology from Brigham Young University, followed by studies in New Testament and Hebrew at Pepperdine University and the University of Judaism. His 35-year career in the LDS Church Educational System (CES) as a seminary teacher, institute director, and curriculum writer honed his teaching passion, which later fueled his writing. Lund’s early interest in prophecy, sparked while teaching in California, led to his first book, The Coming of the Lord (1971), kicking off a remarkable literary career.
Gerald Lund’s Unforgettable Stories
Lund’s novels are a masterclass in historical fiction, blending meticulous research with vivid characters. His nine-volume series, The Work and the Glory (1990–1998), follows the fictional Steed family through the early days of the LDS Church, from Palmyra to the Salt Lake Valley. With nearly 3 million copies sold, it’s a cultural touchstone for Latter-day Saints, even inspiring a movie trilogy. Fire of the Covenant (1999) chronicles the Willie and Martin handcart companies’ harrowing 1856 trek, showcasing Lund’s ability to humanize history’s triumphs and tragedies.
His Kingdom and the Crown trilogy (2000–2002) transports readers to biblical times, exploring Christ’s ministry through fictional characters like the merchant David ben Joseph. Lund’s Fire and Steel series (2014–2019) tackles the World Wars, weaving tales of German and American families. His non-fiction, like Hearing the Voice of the Lord (2008), offers doctrinal insights with a teacher’s clarity, reflecting his love for sharing gospel truths.
Lund’s style is immersive yet accessible, with characters who feel like family. His themes—faith, resilience, and divine guidance—resonate deeply, especially within LDS culture, but his storytelling transcends religious boundaries, drawing in diverse readers.
Why Gerald Lund Matters
Gerald Lund’s impact on LDS literature is profound. His novels have introduced countless readers to Mormon history, with stories of conversion and baptisms linked to The Work and the Glory. As a general authority in the Second Quorum of the Seventy (2002–2008), he served in England, guiding the church’s growth while continuing to write. His work bridges faith and fiction, offering a non-threatening way to share LDS heritage with non-members, as Lund himself noted in interviews. His legacy endures through readers who find inspiration in his tales of hope and perseverance.
- Born: September 12, 1939, Fountain Green, Utah
- Key Works: The Work and the Glory, Fire of the Covenant, Kingdom and the Crown, Fire and Steel
- Notable Role: General Authority, Second Quorum of the Seventy (2002–2008)
- Family: Father of seven with his late wife, Lynn
Ready to dive into a world of faith and history? Grab The Work and the Glory and let Gerald Lund’s storytelling sweep you away!