Books & Events

Appearances - Christopher Hodapp

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Christopher Hodapp, author of Freemasons For Dummies and Solomon’s Builders is a frequent speaker at Masonic lodges and grand lodges, but is also called upon to speak to schools and non-Masonic groups. He has appeared in radio and television interviews and podcasts.

He can be contacted at hodapp@aol.com

Deciphering The Lost Symbol: Freemasons, Myths and the Mysteries of Washington D.C.

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:49:25 -0500

by Christopher L. Hodapp

Freemasonry and the founding of the United States have been intertwined since the very beginning. Now discover the secretive brotherhood of Freemasons at the center of Dan Brown’s novel, The Lost Symbol. Follow the trail of Masonic myths, legends and facts, through the streets and monuments of Washington D.C., and into the innermost lodge rooms and temples of the Order.

Christopher Hodapp (author of Solomon’s Builders and the best-selling Freemasons For Dummies) uncovers the true stories behind the Freemasons and the Nation’s Capitol, and interprets the clues and claims of Brown’s book. From Masonic presidents, 33rd degree Scottish Rite Masons and modern-day Knights Templar, to curious cornerstones, statues and zodiac symbols, Deciphering The Lost Symbol is the key you need to unlock the secrets and the truth behind these mysterious ‘widow’s sons.’

Christopher L. Hodapp is the author of "Freemasons For Dummies."

"Solomon's Builders" is Copyright ©2006 by Ulysses Press.
"Freemasons For Dummies" ,
"The Templar Code For Dummies" and
“Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies”
Copyright ©2005 - 2008 by Wiley Publishing

This website is the Author's property, and is neither officially connected with nor endorsed by Ulysses Press or Wiley Publishing.

Solomon’s Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington DC

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

by Christopher L. Hodapp

The release of Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol" puts the Freemasons of Washington D.C. at the center of his exciting story.
Get a jump on the truth behind the fiction. Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C. by Christopher L. Hodapp (author of the bestselling "Freemasons For Dummies") transports you back to the birth of a radical new nation and tells how a secretive society influenced and inspired the formation of what would become the most powerful nation on earth.
"Solomon's Builders" follows George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and the other Founding Fathers who transformed the lessons of their Masonic lodge rooms into models for a new democracy. In the process, it pieces together the still-visible clues of the Freemasons as it uncovers the mystical Masonic symbolism hidden in the design of the city and in its monuments, statues and buildings.
From “all-seeing eyes,” pentagrams, and Egyptian-inspired obelisks, to the imposing and mysterious Masonic temples of the "Widow's Sons," Solomon’s Builders guides readers on a Freemason’s tour of Washington, D.C. as it separates fact from myth and reveals the background of Dan Brown's novel, The Lost Symbol, the sequel to The Da Vinci Code.
Chris Hodapp is the best-selling author of "Freemasons For Dummies," and co-author (with Alice Von Kannon) of "The Templar Code For Dummies" and "Conspiracy Theories and Secret Societies For Dummies." He is the editor of the Journal of the Masonic Society, and has appeared most recently on the History Channel in "Secrets of the Founding Fathers."
He can be contacted at hodapp@aol.com
For information on discounts and ordering multiple copies direct from Ulysses Press, contact:

Bryce Willett,
Ulysses Press,
PO Box 3440,
Berkeley, CA 94703
Phone: 510-601-8301, Fax: 510-601-8307
Email: brycewillett@ulyssespress.com

Christopher L. Hodapp is the author of "Solomon's Builders."

"Solomon's Builders" is Copyright ©2006 by Ulysses Press.
"Freemasons For Dummies" and "The Templar Code For Dummies" Copyright ©2005 - 2007 by Wiley Publishing

This website is the Author's property, and is neither officially connected with nor endorsed by Ulysses Press or Wiley Publishing.

The Masonic Society

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

On May 1st, 2008, a new Masonic research organization was launched by a group of notable Freemasons, known simply as The Masonic Society. It is the fastest growing organization of its kind in the world, with more than 1,000 members from every corner of the globe.

Chris Hodapp is the Editor in Chief of the quarterly Journal of The Masonic Society, which has set a new standard for Masonic publications.

For more information, click here.

Works by Chris Hodapp & Alice Von Kannon

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:16:36 -0500

By Christopher L. Hodapp
• Freemasons For Dummies
• Solomon’s Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington DC
• Deciphering The Lost Symbol

By Christopher L. Hodapp and Alice Von Kannon
• The Templar Code For Dummies
• Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies

Edited by Christopher L. Hodapp
• Laudable Pursuit
• The Journal of The Masonic Society

Christopher L. Hodapp and Alice Von Kannon are the authors of
"The Templar Code For Dummies" and
“Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies”
Christopher L. Hodapp is the author of “Freemasons For Dummies” and “Solomon’s Builders.”

"Solomon's Builders" is Copyright ©2006 by Ulysses Press.
"Freemasons For Dummies" ,
"The Templar Code For Dummies" and
“Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies”
Copyright ©2005 - 2008 by Wiley Publishing

This website is the Author's property, and is neither officially connected with nor endorsed by Ulysses Press or Wiley Publishing.

Freemasons For Dummies

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

by Christopher L. Hodapp

by Christopher L. Hodapp (“Solomon’s Builders”, and “Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies”)

Since its publication in September 2005, Freemasons For Dummies® has sold over 80,000 copies and is the best selling guide to the ancient and accepted fraternity of the Freemasons.

It is a plain-English guide to Freemasonry—the society at the center of Dan Brown's novel The Lost Symbol.

This fun to read and informative guide, written by Christopher Hodapp (author of Deciphering The Lost Symbol) demystifies and explains the organization's origins in medieval Europe, its philosophy and purpose, along with the elaborate rituals, secret signs, and cryptic symbols that set Freemasonry apart from other fraternal orders. The book profiles famous Freemasons throughout history, including many of America's Founding Fathers, as well as prominent politicians and business leaders. It offers a balanced assessment of the many controversies and conspiracy theories that continue to swirl around Freemasonry.

For anyone looking for an evenhanded overview of Freemasonry's past, present, and future, this guide is the key.

Freemasons For Dummies explains:
• The legendary and historic origins of Freemasonry
• The philosophy of Freemasonry
• Politics, religion and why Masons don't mix with them
• How lodges and Grand Lodges are organized: who does what and why
• Masonic recognition and regularity
• Prince Hall Freemasonry
• Masonic ceremonies, rituals and symbolism
• Rosicrucianism, the Illuminatti, the Knights Templar and the Freemasons
• Myths and misconceptions about Masonry
• The Appendant bodies: York and Scottish Rite Masonry, and the extended Masonic world
• Non-Masonic fraternal organizations
• Freemasonry, society and the future
• How to find and join a lodge
• Complete listing of all mainstream and Prince Hall Grand Lodges in the U.S. & Canada
• PLUS Top Ten lists: Famous Masons; Conspiracies and Hoaxes; Masonic Landmarks
• PLUS The Regius Manuscript and Anderson's Constitutions

Individual lodges and Grand Lodges all across the U.S. and Canada are finding that Freemasons For Dummies is the perfect guide for new Entered Apprentices, Fellow Craft and Master Masons just learning about the Craft, as well as for seasoned members looking to further their Masonic education. And it's a great introduction for non-Masons, and the families of Masons.

Freemasons For Dummies is available in French, German and Dutch editions.

With more than 150 million books in print and over 900 topics, For Dummies® is the world's best-selling reference series -- the books customers reach for first when they want to learn about complex or intimidating topics.

In April 2006, Chris Hodapp and Freemasons For Dummies were honored with the
Duane E. Anderson Excellence in Masonic Education Award
by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota AF&AM.

For bulk purchase discounts and resale information, contact:

Jack Bussell
Wiley Publishing
10475 Crosspoint Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46256
317 572-3197
317 572-4197 Fax
jbussell@wiley.com

Christopher L. Hodapp is the author of "Freemasons For Dummies."

"Solomon's Builders" is Copyright ©2006 by Ulysses Press.
"Freemasons For Dummies" ,
"The Templar Code For Dummies" and
“Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies”
Copyright ©2005 - 2008 by Wiley Publishing

This website is the Author's property, and is neither officially connected with nor endorsed by Ulysses Press or Wiley Publishing.

The Templar Code For Dummies

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

by Christopher L. Hodapp (“Freemasons For Dummies”, “Solomon’s Builders”) and
Alice Von Kannon

It’s no secret that interest in secret societies is greater than ever. With the success of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code book and movie, secret societies, conspiracy theories, and all things Templar have become a favorite topic for people of all ages.

If you’re looking to get the inside scoop on the mystery and history of the Knights Templar and their secret society, the The Templar Code For Dummies (Wiley; June 2007; 384 pages) is for you. This no-nonsense guide reveals the meaning behind the cryptic codes and secret rituals of the medieval brotherhood of warrior monks known as the Knights Templar.

The Templar Code For Dummies is for those who have a genuine interest in the Templars, as well as the millions of people whose interest was sparked after reading or watching The Da Vinci Code and want to know more about the Knights Templar and other secret societies. The Templar Code is more than an intriguing cipher or a mysterious symbol – it is the Code by which the Knights Templar lived and died, the Code that bound them together in secrecy, and the Code that inspired them to nearly superhuman feats of courage and endurance.

This intriguing guide covers such topics as:

• The Templars’ meteoric rise during the Crusades, and their death just 200 years later in the fires of the Inquisition -- how they rose so high and fell so far, and why there is so much interest in them today
• The surprising part the Templars have played in some of the most important historic events of the past seven centuries, including the French Revolution, the birth of groups such as the Freemasons among others, and even the American Civil War
• The Templar connections to myths and legends that appear in The Da Vinci Code, including the quest for the Holy Grail, the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel, and the shadowy Priory of Sion
• The Da Vinci Code’s version of Opus Dei and the Catholic church’s relationship with women--a hotly debated topic now-- with special emphasis on the Templar connection

Plus, ‘Ten Candidates for the Site of the Holy Grail’ – from Takt-i-Taqdis in Iran to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York; ‘Ten Absolutely Must-See Templar Sites’ like Temple Mount in Jerusalem and Tomar Castle in Portugal; and ‘Ten Places That May be Hiding the Templar Treasure’ such as Bornholm Island in Denmark and Washington D.C.’s own curious Rosslyn Chapel. And a handy “Cheat Sheet” includes a ‘Templar Who’s Who’ explaining insider terminology, a list of Templar architecture terms and meanings, and key Templar milestones dating back to 1000 B.C.

For bulk purchase discounts and resale information, contact:

Jack Bussell
Wiley Publishing
10475 Crosspoint Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46256
317 572-3197
317 572-4197 Fax
jbussell@wiley.com

Christopher L. Hodapp and Alice VonKannon are the authors of
"The Templar Code For Dummies" and
“Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies”
Christopher L. Hodapp is the author of “Freemasons For Dummies” and “Solomon’s Builders.”

"Solomon's Builders" is Copyright ©2006 by Ulysses Press.
"Freemasons For Dummies" ,
"The Templar Code For Dummies" and
“Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies”
Copyright ©2005 - 2008 by Wiley Publishing

This website is the Author's property, and is neither officially connected with nor endorsed by Ulysses Press or Wiley Publishing.

Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

by Christopher L. Hodapp (“Freemasons For Dummies”, “Solomon’s Builders”)
and Alice VonKannon (“The Templar Code For Dummies”)

What do Skull & Bones, the Kennedys, and UFOs all have in common?   Your guide to an undiscovered world of arcane rites and rituals.

Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies covers some of the most famous--and infamous--conspiracy theories throughout history, including the assassination of JFK and the death of Princess Diana, Area 51, and the 9/11 "truth movement," along with secret societies like the Freemasons, Rosicrucians, the Mafia, and Ninjas. Explore a world of arcane rites and rituals and discover what these societies' objectives are.

“A conspiracy theory is the idea that someone, or a group of someones, acts secretly, with the goal of achieving power, wealth, influence, or other benefit. It can be as small as two petty thugs conspiring to stickup a liquor store, or as big as a group of revolutionaries conspiring to take over their country’s government. Individuals, corporations, churches, politicians, military leaders, and entire governments can all be conspirators, in plots as evil as secretly developing nuclear weapons, as creepy as smuggling stolen human transplant organs, or as annoying as cornering the market on neighborhood $4-coffee joints.

Secret societies are the repositories of the hidden knowledge that spins the conspiracy theory. But the term secret society covers a lot of ground — everything from college fraternities and the lodge your grandpa belonged to, to the lesser known, powerful groups that stay out of the eyes of the press, like the Bilderbergers, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the legendary Illuminati (if they really exist at all). “
 Whether you're a skeptic or a true believer, this fascinating guide, packed with the latest information, walks you through some of the most infamous conspiracy theories — like Area 51 and the assassination of JFK — and introduces you to such mysterious organizations as the Illuminati, the Bilderbergers, Freemasons, the Ninjas, the Mafia, Rosicrucians and more. Sorting out fact from fiction, you'll be able to explore their impact on society today.  

For bulk purchase discounts and resale information, contact:

Jack Bussell
Wiley Publishing
10475 Crosspoint Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46256
317 572-3197
317 572-4197 Fax
jbussell@wiley.com

Christopher L. Hodapp and Alice VonKannon are the authors of
"The Templar Code For Dummies" and
“Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies”
Christopher L. Hodapp is the author of “Freemasons For Dummies” and “Solomon’s Builders.”

"Solomon's Builders" is Copyright ©2006 by Ulysses Press.
"Freemasons For Dummies" ,
"The Templar Code For Dummies" and
“Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies”
Copyright ©2005 - 2008 by Wiley Publishing

This website is the Author's property, and is neither officially connected with nor endorsed by Ulysses Press or Wiley Publishing.

WFPL 89.3 Louisville

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:19:42 -0400

Chris Hodapp and Alice VonKannon appeared on WFPL 89.3 FM in Louisville, Kentucky on September 10th, 2008, discussing their book Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies.

Listen to the show archive here.

Laudable Pursuit

Mon, 1 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

by The Knights of the North
(Editor, Christopher L. Hodapp)

Laudable Pursuit is an examination of the state of Freemasonry in the United States, and a plan of action for rejuvenating lodges in the 21st century.

Based on topics raised in the 1960's by renowned Masonic author, Indiana Past Grand Master Dwight L. Smith - and then promptly ignored by the fraternity – this new work is intended as a starting point for the future direction of Freemasonry.

Written by the Knights of the North, a Masonic "think tank" of new and veteran Freemasons, and edited by Christopher L. Hodapp (bestselling author of Freemasons For Dummies), Laudable Pursuit is presented as a possible course of both progressive and traditional action for those interested in returning Freemasonry to its once noble stature in U.S. society, as well as equipping the fraternity to suit the new century.

First presented as a paper before Lodge Vitruvian No.767 in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2005, Freemasons everywhere have found it to be a thought provoking signpost to the future.

Christopher L. Hodapp and Alice VonKannon are the authors of
"The Templar Code For Dummies" and
“Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies”
Christopher L. Hodapp is the author of “Freemasons For Dummies” and “Solomon’s Builders.”

"Solomon's Builders" is Copyright ©2006 by Ulysses Press.
"Freemasons For Dummies" ,
"The Templar Code For Dummies" and
“Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies”
Copyright ©2005 - 2008 by Wiley Publishing

This website is the Author's property, and is neither officially connected with nor endorsed by Ulysses Press or Wiley Publishing.

Freemasons For Dummies Errors In 1st Edition

Fri, 8 Dec 2006 03:17:16 -0500

Errata - Freemasons For Dummies 1st Printing

Most errors listed below from the first printing of Freemasons For Dummies have been corrected in the second printing, which was in February 2006. The notable exception is that Leonardo DiCaprio was not removed from the list of Famous Masons. Mr. DiCaprio is NOT a Freemason, and my apologies to him and to all who have repeated this error based on finding it in the book. Thanks to Ed King and his Masonic Info website for tracking the source of my error.

Below are the known errors in the first printing. Some are editorial mistakes, some are factual. I have not included simple typos in the list below, but I am grateful to everyone who has forwarded corrections to me, and I encourage readers to keep me honest. Please let me know if you spot any other errors by emailing me at: hodapp@aol.com

• Back Cover - "Rites" not "Rights" Not mine, the publisher has to take the bullet for this one.

• The Missing Chapter 19
In the final effort to get the manuscript down to its proper length, the original Chapter 19 about Masonic phrases was eliminated by the editors. Unfortunately, several references to it elsewhere in the book were NOT cut. Notably, page 5 and page 288. The mysterious missing Chapter 19 is available here for those of you desperate to have the complete Dummies experience.

• Dr. James Anderson

On page 314, change Dr. John Anderson to Dr. James Anderson.

On page 337, change Dr. John Anderson to Dr. James Anderson.

On page 355 in the index, change Anderson, Dr. John to Anderson, Dr. James

• Page 16: "...so I explain them in Part IV as well" should say
"...so I explain them in Part III as well." 
• Page 66: King Charles I was beheaded in 1649, not 1641.
 • Page 94: Change "The name of the lodge is always followed by a number..." to read
"The name of the lodge is generally followed by a number..."  Massachusetts and Hawaii do not use lodge numbers.

(These two switched statements have flummoxed new lodge officers ever since the book came out. My apologies!)
 • Page 143: Explanation of the Plumb. Change the last line, "it is the officer's badge of the Senior Warden" to read
"it is the officer's badge of the Junior Warden"

• Page 144: Explanation of the Level. Change the last line, "the Level is also the officer's badge of the Junior Warden" to read
"the Level is also the officer's badge of the Senior Warden"

• Page 163: "Price of darkness" change to "Prince of Darkness." A subtle but real distinction.

• Page 187: Change "Its 61 degrees sound exactly like Freemasonry..." to read
"Its degrees sound suspiciously like Freemasonry..."

• Page 250, 2nd paragraph reads: "blue for fidelity; and violet for service."
Change to read: "blue for fidelity; indigo for patriotism; and violet for service."

• Page 256: Change the following sentence "A dedicated Virginia Freemason named Paul Bessel..." to read
"A dedicated Washington D.C. Freemason named Paul M. Bessel..."
 Now that I have his DC brethren mad at both him and me...

• Page 285: Third paragraph should be replaced. New paragraph should read:
"A handful of Grand Lodges have recently changed their rules to require more than just one negative vote to reject a petitioner. This has been done to account for the "one crazy voter" possibility. The thinking is that if a sitting Lodge member has a reason why a petitioner should be rejected, he should stand up and tell the Lodge why, and not simply vote in secret. However, this is an unusual practice.

• Page 292: Louis Armstrong was not provably a Mason. He appears on many lists of famous Masons, but references to his supposed lodge name and number do not exist in any Prince Hall or other regular Masonic records.

• Page 293: Remove Leonardo DiCaprio from the list. He is not a Mason. Thanks to Ed King for tracking the source of this error down.

• Page 294: Text reads: "The present Grand Master is HRH Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, brother to Prince Charles."
 He is actually the second cousin of Prince Charles. Being both a colonist in rebellion and a mere provincial, I am often baffled by such royal liaisons and those family trees with very few forks. If you catch my meaning. Here in the states we have the good sense to have laws against consanguinity. There, intermingling with your own relations makes you a well paid tourist attraction. Go figure.

• Also, remove King Hussein of Jordan from the list. His status as a Mason, much less as a Past Grand Master in Jordan or Lebanon, though widely reported on many Masonic lists, has not been proved.

• Page 343: Incorrect address for the Grand Lodge of Alabama Free and Accepted Masons. The correct address is:

2055 Cobbs Ford Road, Suite 200
Prattville, AL 36066

• Page 346: Under the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire add the following
Web: http://www.nhgrandlodge.org

• Page 350: Left out the mailing address. Entry should read:
Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Masons Jurisdiction of Massachusetts
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 173
Dorchester, MA 02121
Street address:
24 Washington Street
Dorchester, MA 02121
Phone: 617-445-1145
Fax: 617-445-8698
Web: http://www.princehall.org

• Page 40: The French Revolution started in 1789, not 1779. My wife's period of expertise is the Age of Sail, the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era, and she has worn bruises in her backside kicking herself at missing this typo, even if I didn't catch it.
 • There are many references in the book to the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction versus the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. For reasons known only to themselves, our southern brethren do not add the term "Masonic" to their moniker. They are known only as the Southern Jurisdiction, and use the abbreviation SJ, not SMJ as used in the book. As these references appear all over the book, I am not changing them at this time. But I am aware of it.
 (I grew up a Catholic and in my house, SJ always stood for "Society of Jesus," the official name of the Jesuits. Hmmm.) 
• I am also aware of the difference of opinion in the use of the term "compasses" versus "compass." Indiana is, apparently, one of only a handful of Masonic Jurisdictions that use the singular term "compass" in its ritual to describe the tool used for measuring and drawing arcs and circles. Like a pair of scissors or trousers, the proper grammatical term is a pair of compasses, or simply "compasses." I am a stubborn Indiana Mason and will continue to use the term compass until my Grand Master orders me otherwise. More to the point, the term is all over the book, and beyond the scope of correcting until a major reprint is done.
 • The artwork that appears on the cover of Freemasons For Dummies is the creation of a gifted Indiana Freemason, Brother Stephen McKim. Unfortunately, due to an oversight on my part, the proper credit for his art was inadvertently left out of the first printing of the book. Brother McKim is an incredibly talented artist whose beautiful Masonic images have graced the Indiana Freemason magazine, internet sites around the world, and more. For more of his creations, see his website by clicking here.