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.
#222041 in Books Northern Illinois University Press 2013-03-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .90 x 6.00l; 1.15 #File Name: 0875806899300 pages
Review
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Excellent biography of Illinois' second governor; Edward Coles; and his lifelong campaign against slaveryBy Reg AnkromHistory for too long has disregarded the life's work of Edward Coles; the second governor of Illinois whose campaign from 1822 to 1824 stopped Illinois from becoming a slave state. Suzanne Cooper-Guasco's excellent research and lively writing style has given Coles the attention he deserves in the best treatment of him to date.Coles came from a wealthy and well connected Albemarle County; Virginia; family. He was a neighbor of Thomas Jefferson. He became personal secretary to President James Madison and a Madison appointee to Russia. Eventually; Coles had to find a job. Having bought land in Illinois; he learned on a second trip there that the federal register's office in Edwardsville was vacant. President Monroe appointed him to it.Cooper-Guasco explains Coles's early and lifelong conviction against slavery. She also gives us an insight into Coles's frustrations and failures in trying to end it. In 1814; for example; Coles asked Ex-president Jefferson to lead a crusade for the gradual end of slavery. Jefferson declined and wished the younger Coles well with the attempt.When enroute to Illinois in 1819; Coles freed the 17 slaves he had inherited. Cooper-Guasco tells us Coles sought to prove "free blacks could be productive members of society." Coles provided land and training; and they were successful farmers. In fairness; she points out that Coles had advantages not available to all pioneer farmers--like labor and improved land. But Coles's experiment was a success; so notable that even Madison complimented him on it. Cooper-Guasco provides a perfect irony; however; writing that "Madison only regretted that Coles could not 'change their colour as well as their legal condition.'"When applying for entry into the Union in 1818; Illinois territorial legislators; nearly all of them from Southern states; sought to enter as a slave state. Eastern congressmen; however; reminded them that slavery was prohibited in the Northwest Territory; in which Illinois was situated. Estimating they could change that once in the union; Illinois legislators submitted a free state constitution--with slavery-like provisions for indentured servitude. Cooper-Guasco calculates that Illinois was a free state in name only.When in 1821 pro-slavery Illinois Supreme Court Justices Joseph Phillips and Thomas C. Browne announced for governor; Coles's anti-slavery friends promoted his candidacy. With Phillips and Browne splitting the pro-slavery vote; Coles was elected.Cooper-Guasco gives the reader the sense that in his inauguration address Coles tried to lull or numb legislators before bringing "the issue of slavery squarely before the legislature." After themes of harmony and public improvements; Coles instructed legislators that the Northwest Ordinance clearly sought to abolish slavery. Yet slavery continued to exist in Illinois; he said. It was time to get rid of it. The speech split the legislature; which called for a constitutional convention to address slavery. Coles believed the only thing a convention would accomplish would be the legalization of slavery in Illinois. He called on his network of friends; including Nicholas Biddle; to fight the convention. Destruction of his properties; hanging him in effigy; and personal attacks in public and press failed to stop Coles; whose better organized opposition beat slavery back--and ended any chance of his re-election.Coles never again achieved such success as did his campaign to end slavery in Illinois. Cooper-Guasco's wonderful book demonstrates; however; that his Illinois campaign importantly advanced abolition's cause.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An "unknown" American hero and great human being - Edward Coles !By Kindle CustomerThe story and information published in this book are great. The writing is not five-star prose. But so what? The book documents superlative events in American history; totally unknown to most Americans. I'm surprised Coles' story has not been made into a movie - truly great MAN.I've also bought the actual; physical book - three of them. Gave them as gifts.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy BatmanVery "readable" for an academic book.
