What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hooked X
The Hooked X is a secret symbol first found on an inscribed slab of rock, dated 1362, unearthed by a farmer in Minnesota in 1898. This mysterious symbol inspired the author to pursue a nine-year investigation on both sides of the Atlantic that led to the discovery of other artifacts and clandestine documents indicative of secret trips to North America long before Columbus. The trail of evidence led to a deep plunge into the shadowy areas of Freemasonry and the Knights Templar that most brethren of these orders are unaware of. This incredible true story reveals untold secrets of North America that weave from medieval times through today, forever changing history as we know it.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2009
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 23, 2020
The Kensington Runestone is an interesting and unique curiosity of Minnesota history and folklore that was for decades seen as little more than a goofy Scandinavian-American roadside attraction of no real historical importance. A Scandinavian runic inscription discovered in 1898 in the most heavily Scandinavian settled region of the state, its authenticity has been a perennial topic of heated discussion. Recently, however, researchers like Scott Wolter have vividly revived the debate regarding the origins of the stone, which purports to date from the fourteenth century.
Wolter, a forensic geologist, claims his analysis indicates the age of the carvings predate the nineteenth century. Even for those who, like myself, remain skeptical of a medieval origin for the runestone, this continued study into the stone can only increase understanding. In “The Hooked X,” Wolter continues his study of the runestone, drawing on a variety of cross-disciplinary research, to make the case that, since he believes his findings indicate a medieval origin, some unknown group must be responsible. It is here that Wolter draws the infamous Knights Templar into the runestone story, through the linking symbol of the mysterious “hooked x” and at the same time, goes completely off the rails.
Unfortunately, Wolter’s thought provoking science is drowned in a sea of new-agey conspiratorial claptrap, calling into question his entire credibility. As the book attempts to connect the stone and other North American anomalous archaeological sites with that current standard of conspiratorial lore, the Knights Templar, it becomes increasingly laughable. Written in a breezy, conversational style, the work is organized rather haphazardly, jumping awkwardly between discussions of various esoteric subjects related to Templar and Masonic lore, which maybe, just maybe, might have something to do with the Kensington Runestone. In addition, it relies too heavily on personal anecdotes that further detract from the book’s main arguments. Like much of fringe research, The Hooked X relies on coincidence, hearsay, and creative speculation to link ideas as diverse as sacred geometry and goddess worship and connect it all into a great narrative. While it is an interesting and amusing thought to picture a minor piece of Minnesota folklore as linked to an ancient and influential secret history that shaped the destiny of nations through the centuries, “The Hooked X” does not provide solid evidence.
Wolter and Richard Nielsen’s “Kensington Runestone: Compelling New Evidence,” is a much more useful pro-runestone resource that can be of interest to people on both sides of the debate. While at times an amusing read, The Hooked X is far too speculative to recommend, except purely as Forteana. This book, and his later writings and television programs, will add nothing more to anyone's understanding of Minnesota history.
Wolter, a forensic geologist, claims his analysis indicates the age of the carvings predate the nineteenth century. Even for those who, like myself, remain skeptical of a medieval origin for the runestone, this continued study into the stone can only increase understanding. In “The Hooked X,” Wolter continues his study of the runestone, drawing on a variety of cross-disciplinary research, to make the case that, since he believes his findings indicate a medieval origin, some unknown group must be responsible. It is here that Wolter draws the infamous Knights Templar into the runestone story, through the linking symbol of the mysterious “hooked x” and at the same time, goes completely off the rails.
Unfortunately, Wolter’s thought provoking science is drowned in a sea of new-agey conspiratorial claptrap, calling into question his entire credibility. As the book attempts to connect the stone and other North American anomalous archaeological sites with that current standard of conspiratorial lore, the Knights Templar, it becomes increasingly laughable. Written in a breezy, conversational style, the work is organized rather haphazardly, jumping awkwardly between discussions of various esoteric subjects related to Templar and Masonic lore, which maybe, just maybe, might have something to do with the Kensington Runestone. In addition, it relies too heavily on personal anecdotes that further detract from the book’s main arguments. Like much of fringe research, The Hooked X relies on coincidence, hearsay, and creative speculation to link ideas as diverse as sacred geometry and goddess worship and connect it all into a great narrative. While it is an interesting and amusing thought to picture a minor piece of Minnesota folklore as linked to an ancient and influential secret history that shaped the destiny of nations through the centuries, “The Hooked X” does not provide solid evidence.
Wolter and Richard Nielsen’s “Kensington Runestone: Compelling New Evidence,” is a much more useful pro-runestone resource that can be of interest to people on both sides of the debate. While at times an amusing read, The Hooked X is far too speculative to recommend, except purely as Forteana. This book, and his later writings and television programs, will add nothing more to anyone's understanding of Minnesota history.
August 12, 2022
Can’t Get Enough of Wolter; He’s Phenomenal!
Scott Wolter continues to be – as far as I know – the host of America Unearthed, currently airing on the History Channel. Wolter is an extremely intelligent and relentless investigator with interests as diverse as the Knights Templar to ... lots of mundane subjects. In fact it was his searing interest in the Templars and his ultimate conclusions on the Templar issue that at one point allegedly caused the History Channel to consider axing his show. He was just getting TOO close to the truth that someone didn’t want publicized!
This topic – the Hooked X – is one of the subjects Wolter has addressed on the show, and also – based on my understanding – was the primary reason for the brass’s reaction.
Great subject, however. And his books and his other interviews with talk show hosts such as Jimmy Church (on-again-off-again Coast to Coast AM with George Noory (et al) alumni host) who usually interviews Wolter for at least 3 hours!), go far more deeply in-depth into the probability of – for instance – who REALLY discovered America.
Wolter writes like a fiction writer in that his non-fiction books are really hard to put down, and the mysteries are real!
Highly recommended!
Scott Wolter continues to be – as far as I know – the host of America Unearthed, currently airing on the History Channel. Wolter is an extremely intelligent and relentless investigator with interests as diverse as the Knights Templar to ... lots of mundane subjects. In fact it was his searing interest in the Templars and his ultimate conclusions on the Templar issue that at one point allegedly caused the History Channel to consider axing his show. He was just getting TOO close to the truth that someone didn’t want publicized!
This topic – the Hooked X – is one of the subjects Wolter has addressed on the show, and also – based on my understanding – was the primary reason for the brass’s reaction.
Great subject, however. And his books and his other interviews with talk show hosts such as Jimmy Church (on-again-off-again Coast to Coast AM with George Noory (et al) alumni host) who usually interviews Wolter for at least 3 hours!), go far more deeply in-depth into the probability of – for instance – who REALLY discovered America.
Wolter writes like a fiction writer in that his non-fiction books are really hard to put down, and the mysteries are real!
Highly recommended!
October 26, 2011
This is not a spoiler, this information is expected to be known to the reader prior to reading the book.
Very disappointing argument for authenticity of Kensington Rune Stone. Basically in 1362 Templars and Cistercians traveled across Atlantic to claim a piece of land in Minnesota, which half millennium later was acquired by middle-class (at most) emigrant from Norway. They've left signs around the farm by making triangle signs on bunch of glacial stones and making inscription on a stone and burying it in the ground to be found 500 years later by sheer luck. The party is supposedly associated by Henry Sinclair, Earl of Orkney, titled "Prince" throughout the book. The Earl was supposedly an educated man with a lot of knowledge of ages at his disposal, but when he supposedly traveled to North America, he didn't leave enough evidence behind him like his countryman traveling with Leif Ericson did over 3 centuries before (Sinclair was subject of the king of Norway). Ericson's accomplishment is mentioned only once in last pages of the book, which makes it seems like the Kensigton Rune Stone was left by first Europeans to step foot in North America. Additionally the XIII c. party built a tower in Rhode Island that points to the farm in Minnesota so that the farm can be easily located later... That's in addition to half a dozen small stones they've left in the East Coasts that the following parties are also somehow suppose to locate. All those wise men, educated in geography, astronomy, economy, linguistics and ancient history, worship planet Venus as a representation of the Goddess....
Two stars for compilation of the facts on the Rune Stone.
Very disappointing argument for authenticity of Kensington Rune Stone. Basically in 1362 Templars and Cistercians traveled across Atlantic to claim a piece of land in Minnesota, which half millennium later was acquired by middle-class (at most) emigrant from Norway. They've left signs around the farm by making triangle signs on bunch of glacial stones and making inscription on a stone and burying it in the ground to be found 500 years later by sheer luck. The party is supposedly associated by Henry Sinclair, Earl of Orkney, titled "Prince" throughout the book. The Earl was supposedly an educated man with a lot of knowledge of ages at his disposal, but when he supposedly traveled to North America, he didn't leave enough evidence behind him like his countryman traveling with Leif Ericson did over 3 centuries before (Sinclair was subject of the king of Norway). Ericson's accomplishment is mentioned only once in last pages of the book, which makes it seems like the Kensigton Rune Stone was left by first Europeans to step foot in North America. Additionally the XIII c. party built a tower in Rhode Island that points to the farm in Minnesota so that the farm can be easily located later... That's in addition to half a dozen small stones they've left in the East Coasts that the following parties are also somehow suppose to locate. All those wise men, educated in geography, astronomy, economy, linguistics and ancient history, worship planet Venus as a representation of the Goddess....
Two stars for compilation of the facts on the Rune Stone.
June 29, 2011
Interesting investigating and conclusions. The author made it all sound very plausible and sensible. My biggest complaint was the editing/proof reading. It was one of the sloppiest, error-ridden books I've ever read. It looked as if quite a few editing changes were made and then not carried through to fit with the rest of the sentence or thought. Really distracting to me and I'm ashamed to say it was published by a firm in MN. Someone either was in a hurry or didn't care about the quality of their work.
May 28, 2013
I became familiar with this author while watching the History Channel show, America Unearthed. The author, Scott Wolter, claims that there were Europeans who explored North America before Columbus. The show and this book lay out the evidence for his claim. For what it's worth, I think Wolter makes a pretty good case for his contention. Not my normal literary fare, but it was interesting. If you like history, archaeology, geology, philology, and runology (the philological discipline not runic "magic"), then you should like this book.
July 21, 2015
Interesting reading, to an extent...it was a little dry for me. Lots of black & white photos. I prefer to watch his TV show, America Unearthed!
February 22, 2015
I found this book quite readable and informative. The main focus is an updating on his work regarding the Kensington Rune Stone. Mr. Wolter had written with another person his detailed study of first encountering the rune stone. I had not read that work.
This book was written in the format of his personal case study journal. We are taken through the events by day, told whom was present, and given an extensive reference and index for further study, is the reader chooses to.
The Hooked X is one of the runes that appeared to be an 'a' in ancient Gotlander (Swedish) language. The hook might have been a mason's mark or it could mean something else. It does appear from reading this text that it is a substitute, at the least, for an 'a.'
Now, I read this book not knowing anything of the language of Runes. I have always been interested in ancient alphabets (long story there.) So, I began reading and running to research Gotland etc. Fascinating information and language.
The period being looked at is 1400's but the tale begins in the 1100's with the establishments of Cistercian Orders of Monks. Then it blended into a look at the Knight's Templars and onwards. Right into Sacred Geometry.
The book was an adventure. Mr. Wolter has done extensive research. The conclusions are both valid and open to your own interpretation. On the whole, I was caught up in the search for the true meaning of the Hooked X, and fully realize that no firm conclusion has been reached yet. The working theory of Mr. Wolter's is intriguing but also controversial. I look forward to his further studies. I will also seek out more Knights Templar research.
This book was written in the format of his personal case study journal. We are taken through the events by day, told whom was present, and given an extensive reference and index for further study, is the reader chooses to.
The Hooked X is one of the runes that appeared to be an 'a' in ancient Gotlander (Swedish) language. The hook might have been a mason's mark or it could mean something else. It does appear from reading this text that it is a substitute, at the least, for an 'a.'
Now, I read this book not knowing anything of the language of Runes. I have always been interested in ancient alphabets (long story there.) So, I began reading and running to research Gotland etc. Fascinating information and language.
The period being looked at is 1400's but the tale begins in the 1100's with the establishments of Cistercian Orders of Monks. Then it blended into a look at the Knight's Templars and onwards. Right into Sacred Geometry.
The book was an adventure. Mr. Wolter has done extensive research. The conclusions are both valid and open to your own interpretation. On the whole, I was caught up in the search for the true meaning of the Hooked X, and fully realize that no firm conclusion has been reached yet. The working theory of Mr. Wolter's is intriguing but also controversial. I look forward to his further studies. I will also seek out more Knights Templar research.
February 11, 2012
Ridiculous garbage. Two stars only because the insanity of Wolter's argument kept me entertained.
February 25, 2018
This is book about the "Hooked X" which is male (x), female (v) and the child (hook). Scott Wolter has several books to him name and the Unearthing Ancient America series which was on the History Channel. This is the book the research that launched the series. This book talks about the controversial theory that there were Europeans in the United States or New world before Columbus. He traces his theory from examination of the Kensington Rune Stone which was found in Minnesota by Olaf Ohman in the early 20th century. The Kensington Rune stone is a Swedish carving on a rock by was done by the Templars came to the US in the late 1300s and early 1400s, 100 years before Columbus got the new world in 1492. The Templars were killed on October 13, 1307, the Templars were a Catholic crusaders who fought the holy war and were reputed to the be the first bankers and were killed by Philip the Fair of France because he owed the money. The Templars also had the holy grail which was actually that Jesus and Mary Magdeline had a child and that was the grail. The Kensington Rune Stone according to Wolter was a land document claiming that the Swedes and French had the land first. The Kensington Rune Stone is a code in old Swedish that includes the hooked X, date codes which show 1362 and the dotted R which was used in the old Swedish language. This book is about Wolter's journey of discovery that includes a trip to the East Coast, a meeting with the Masons, his trip to the Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland and Sweden. This is a very thoroughly researched book. This book came on the heels of the DaVinci Code by Dan Brown. This is a truly factual book that makes no apologies but shows it as pure research and further proof that the Templars used the new world to revive themselves. This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn about modern history and a new world view. I truly enjoyed his series and his book.
June 4, 2020
Have read many books like this over the last few years, about how there is so much about our ancient world that we don’t know, but after coming across a lot of new evidence, its forcing us to change our ancient historical accounts. Hence, this book wants to advance the agender of seeing our ancient world in a new light. But, for me it doesn’t do it, as I have read many other books with similar goals, that want to provide evidence Europeans came to north American much earlier that public historical records make us believe. But, in this book, Wolter proclaims that it was the Cistercians and templars who came to north America, after coming into conflict with their monarchs over there freemason beliefs, finding a lot of evidence to support his theory, mainly focusing on a hooked X on a slab rocked, unearthed by a framer in 1898.
I loved that this book was a very easy read, I read it in one afternoon, and like all books like this, I had more questions and answers. Yet, I felt if you don’t have that background in this topic of the ancient history enigma, I feel people may become a little confused when you first began to read, as one subject jumps from another, with a very small tie up in the end. So, overall I give this book 3 stars.
I loved that this book was a very easy read, I read it in one afternoon, and like all books like this, I had more questions and answers. Yet, I felt if you don’t have that background in this topic of the ancient history enigma, I feel people may become a little confused when you first began to read, as one subject jumps from another, with a very small tie up in the end. So, overall I give this book 3 stars.
July 20, 2021
Scott Wolter carefully and with Integrity that his professional background allows presents compelling evidence regarding the Kensington Rune Stone origins. Walter is purposeful when laying out his findings and factual evidence to use phrasing such as "I believe," "may," "could." This leaves the reader to draw their own conclusions. Unfortunately, the editing was not done well as photos are muddy and pixel aged as well as some "typos". This only affects slightly the presentation of Walter's work and not the work itself. He writes in a conversational tone which makes this a very readable and enjoyable book.
January 13, 2018
Done much like Holy Blood, Holy Grail (I think that’s the title) but this is about establishing that the Knights Templar or their cohorts were in America long before Columbus. A few interesting points but mainly suffered from confirmation bias. I did appreciate some of the historical notes and very much appreciated learning about the Horns of Venus.
May 8, 2019
Very interesting discussion of possible history of North America. Too often, we believe only what we have heard in our own educational journeys. This book stands those history lessons on their heads and even questions what our pastirs have taught us in grade school. Worthy of a read and worthy of deep consideration.
October 4, 2022
Interesting info and pictures of several rune stones found in the U.S. and good arguments for their provenance and age. I might even believe his theory about "sacred geometry" for finding certain locations. However, some of his ideas about the masons and the "sacred feminine" and churches designed in the shape of a woman giving birth seem too crazy to me. Book was poorly edited.
July 5, 2021
If you like reading about the Templars, then you will appreciate this book. Was Christopher Columbus the first to reach America? This isn't so much about the demise of the Templars, but more about what may have happened next. It's well presented, well researched and I believe well founded. Enjoy!
January 28, 2018
This was a very poorly written book. I should have read the reviews before starting it. I did learn a few facts but most of the book was speculation. I wouldn't recommend it.
November 8, 2024
A brilliantly written analysis of the historic journey of the Templars and the secret they protected.
August 10, 2024
I wish the pictures were clearer in his book. It would be worth it to get better photos and reprint. I really enjoyed going along with him on his adventure to reach his conclusions.
October 29, 2009
This book was eye opening. Wolter's premise is that members of the Knights Templar and the Cistercian order came to the US during the 1300's! His research begins with a rune stone that was discovered buried on a farm in Kensington, MN in the 1890's. On the surface the notion that Europeans have been to North America as early as the middle ages seems like pseudo or fringe science but Wolter does an excellent job of going through his and others' evidence bit by bit. He's logical and concise and provides wonderfully clarifying pictures and graphics. He also succinctly shows the link between the rise of Christianity with some spiritual elements reaching back to ancient Egypt. Wolter begins his exploration with an open mind but allows his readers to see the personal impact of his research.
He studies three principal sites: Spoon River in Cape Cod, Maine, the Ohman farm in Kensington, MN and a cathedral like structure in Narrangansett Bay, Rhode Island. Together they create a triangulation. The first two sites include Rune Stones whose commonality is a distinctive variation of the `A' rune. The author ties this rune back to Sweden where both the Knights and the Cistercians originated or had a strong presence. Interestingly only one of these three sites, the Rhode Island structure, was continuously visible during modern times. Though there were changes to this structure as early as colonial times, there seems to be enough of the original intact for accurate study. Both of the other sites, the two rune stones, were isolated and/or buried and thus fairly protected. Most interesting to me was the science the Knights and Brothers used concerning the use of Venus both for navigation and as well as spiritual importance. Wolter also discusses the use of sacred geometry and it's far reaching implications. All the symbols explored are multilayered, they had a practical component but also a spiritual one, they all served at least a dual purpose. It amazed me, though it probably shouldn't, how sophisticated these people were. I'm excited to see what else may turn up in the future. This is a small book but it has a large potential impact.
He studies three principal sites: Spoon River in Cape Cod, Maine, the Ohman farm in Kensington, MN and a cathedral like structure in Narrangansett Bay, Rhode Island. Together they create a triangulation. The first two sites include Rune Stones whose commonality is a distinctive variation of the `A' rune. The author ties this rune back to Sweden where both the Knights and the Cistercians originated or had a strong presence. Interestingly only one of these three sites, the Rhode Island structure, was continuously visible during modern times. Though there were changes to this structure as early as colonial times, there seems to be enough of the original intact for accurate study. Both of the other sites, the two rune stones, were isolated and/or buried and thus fairly protected. Most interesting to me was the science the Knights and Brothers used concerning the use of Venus both for navigation and as well as spiritual importance. Wolter also discusses the use of sacred geometry and it's far reaching implications. All the symbols explored are multilayered, they had a practical component but also a spiritual one, they all served at least a dual purpose. It amazed me, though it probably shouldn't, how sophisticated these people were. I'm excited to see what else may turn up in the future. This is a small book but it has a large potential impact.
December 8, 2013
This book is amazing I found out about this book through his show America Unearthed on history 2 channel. It's a must read I'm literally hooked on the hooked x !! I'm reading his second book the mysteries of the hooked X this is an eye opening to the history I knew and was taught is amazing and compelling the findings that Scott has found.
January 26, 2016
A very interesting book that shows the author's pain staking work in exploring the possibilities of other cultures in Pre Columbian America. The book is a bit tedious at times but I found it worth wading through for much good information and theories. Scott's networking with other dedicated investigators and professionals also deserves attention.
December 31, 2016
Wolter investigates a rune dating back to the 1300's. His reasoning makes a lot of sense and I think proves that North America was discovered before Columbus. After the halfway mark Wolter goes into some areas that I'm not sure that I believe and some parts were dry, but the first half was interesting.
October 6, 2012
Enjoyed it. I am interested in medieval and other historical times. Some of his conclusions strike me as being leaps of faith but I look forward to the results of studies by other scientists on this fascinating subject.
Read
May 23, 2013This book was a slow read at some points, but a very good book that makes one think. I recommend it to anyone interested in the Knights Templar and those that think it is HIGHLY likely that Jesus and Mary Magdelene were married and had a child/children.
February 5, 2015
Picked this book up after watching the show America unearthed. The book was much more enjoyable and entertaining than the over dramatic television show. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys the show and wants to learn more about the early history of North America.
February 9, 2015
Since I had just watched the TV show on the same subject, this was pretty much just a rehash with more details that I really didn't care about. So, I read some of the most interesting parts and skimmed the rest.
February 17, 2010
An interesting read but a little redundant. Has mostly to do with Kensington Stone which dates to the late 14th century. A stone with runes on it is discovered in Minnesota.
March 18, 2013
worth the read but I lost interest somewhere after the mid point. The presentation seemed to follow a combination of both topical and chronological, which was confusing.
May 4, 2012
Well researched and thoroughly documented. The case for the validity of Templars in North America in 1362 seems fairly clear. This was certainly worth a read.
July 4, 2013
very informative, reads like a text book.... interesting concepts !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews