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KORESH: The True Story of David Koresh and the Tragedy at Waco is the first comprehensive account of David Koresh's life, his road to Waco, and the rise of government mistrust in America, from a master of narrative nonfiction. This spring marks the 30th anniversary of the siege at Waco. Stephan Talty's previous work includes The Black Hand, Agent Garbo, Empire of Blue Water and A Captain's Duty (the basis for the Academy Award-winning film Captain Phillips). Now, with his signature immersive storytelling, Talty pulls back the curtain on David Koresh-the man behind the myths, rumors, and conjecture that have shaped our understanding of the Branch Davidians. No other event in the last fifty years is shrouded in myth like the 1993 siege of the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas. Today, we remember this moment for the 76 people, including 20 children, who died in the fire; for its inspiration of the Oklahoma City bombing; and for the wave of anti-government militarism that followed. What we understand far less is what motivated the Davidians' enigmatic leader, David Koresh. Drawing on first-time, exclusive interviews with Koresh's family and survivors of the siege, bestselling author Talty paints a psychological portrait of this infamous icon of the 90s. Born Vernon Howell into the hyper-masculine world of central Texas in the 60s, Koresh experienced a childhood riven with abuse and isolation. He found a new version of himself in the halls of his local church, and love in the fundamentalist sect of the Branch Davidians. Later, with a new name and professed prophetic powers, Koresh ushered in a new era for the Davidians that prized his own sexual conquest as much as his followers' faith. As one survivor said, "What better way for a worthless child to feel worth than to become God?"