Dirk (Dietrich) Hennig The Treasure in the Aasee - The Whole Truth Anyone who ventures out for a stroll along Münster's Aasee lake on a sunny weekend and sees several other walkers with shovels shouldn't be too surprised. These "shovelers" have been browsing in the bookstore and discovered "The Treasure in the Aasee – The Whole Truth" by local historian Dirk Hennig. Yes, it supposedly exists: the treasure of Münster merchant Hinrich von Hagen. And, this book tells us, it still hasn't been unearthed. Hard to believe? The author has a completely different opinion and, in addition to providing a captivating read, delivers the historical facts. So convincingly, in fact, that readers who have retained even a sliver of their childhood's carefree imagination of sunken treasures might be tempted to immediately run down to the cellar and find a shovel. Seriously though: Dirk Hennig convincingly demonstrates that riches slumber somewhere beneath the waves of the Aasee. Just a few years ago, the author had the fascinating opportunity to delve into the archives of historian Dr. Jaap van Hoofstraat. He came across the story of Hinrich von Hagen, investigated it, and wrote a captivating treatise in which even Annette von Droste-Hülshoff finds her enigmatic place. Hinrich von Hagen lived in Münster during the time of the Anabaptists, who condemned all wealth. Thus, in the 16th century, the merchant had no choice but to gather his gold and silver one dark night, cart it outside the city walls, and bury it. Incidentally, he did not return alive from this adventure. Documents, records, accounts, and diaries attempt to corroborate the story's authenticity. Dirk Hennig has taken meticulous care to present these historical facts accurately. The book includes the treasure map from 1534, discovered in 1844, as well as photographs from the early 20th century, proving that the treasure hunt at Lake Aasee is nothing new. This treasure of von Hagen has never left the people of Münster in suspense. Does it exist or not? Whatever the answer may be, Dirk Hennig has created a vivid documentary that truly deserves to be called a local mystery. And by no means only for historians and local history enthusiasts. Where's my spade? Stefan Herringslack / Heimatpflege in Westfalen, 5/2007, p. 37 Hennig, Dirk (Dietrich): The Treasure in the Aasee. The Whole Truth. - Based on the records of Dr. Jaap van Hoofstraat. Münster: Solibro-Verlag, 2004. 1st ed. – 143 pp.: Ill. – €8.90. ISBN 978-3-932927-23-2. (Historical novel, Vol. 1) Press reviews "And in such an exciting way that you'd love to be there for another attempt to recover the treasure. Because maybe we're just a few meters away..." Münsterland Magazin, 4/2004, S.126f "Telling more about the book would spoil the suspense of this well- written book. (...) If history were taught this way in our schools, there would be significantly more Bs than Fs! (...) Highly recommended!" draußen!, 9/2005, S.28 "Behind the title (...) lies a fascinating documentary." Westfälische Nachrichten, October 23, 2004 "Could it be that the people of Münster will soon be seen marching to the Aasee lake in Münster with shovels over their shoulders?" Münstersche Zeitung, 23.10.2004 "The archive of historian Dr. Jaap van Hoofstraat (...) forms the basis for a very clever interplay of documentary and fiction." Gig Magazine, 2/05, p. 76 "After reading this book, one can't help but believe in a treasure in the Aasee (...) The rather slim volume is a very pleasant read (...) The numerous pictures and illustrations make the whole story particularly appealing. To help pass the time during the dreary winter weather (...), the book invites you to dream of treasure and diving in the Aasee."Semesterspiegel, 1/05, S.33 "Author Hennig has documented the search for gold on wet ground. Could there still be a treasure lying in the Aasee?" Die Glocke, 25.10.2004 "Dirk Hennig convincingly demonstrates that wealth lies dormant somewhere beneath the waves of the Aasee. (...) Dirk Hennig has created a vivid documentary that truly deserves to be called a regional crime thriller." Heimatpflege in Westfalen, 5/2007, S.37 "This lively documentary is aimed at every resident of Münsterland who wants to read an exciting book and also learn something enlightening about their local history." Provinzial-Magazin, 3/04, S.56 "...Essential reading for every Münsterlander who still believes in adventure." Grafschafter Nachrichten, 09.11.2004 "Read a gripping book and learn enlightening facts about your local history. The documentary about Hinrich von Hagen and his immeasurable treasure in Münster's Aasee lake achieves both. (...) Essential reading for Münster residents with a sense of adventure." Wirtschaftsspiegel (IHK), 6/2005, S.32 "New book encourages treasure hunting." Wir in Detten, Wir in Rheine, Wir in Greven, 04.11.2004 © dirkdietrichhennig.com 2025