***Black book ***
A magical book. In folklore, a black book provides instructions for trafficking with spirits, DIVINA- TION, and acquiring and using supernatural powers. In some cases, possession of the black book itself bestows supernatural powers, wealth, or luck upon its owner. However, use of a black book usually backfires with seri- ous consequences. Some black books are said to be written in BLOOD as a PACT with the devil.
According to a German tale, a black book of unknown origin was passed down through inheritance and came into the possession of some peasants. Its magical powers were released by reading it forward and backward. If anyone failed to read the book backward, the devil was able to take control of them. Once activated, the book enabled people to acquire great wealth and to do terrible things to others without punishment. However, there were consequences to using the black book that caused its owners grief. They tried to get rid of the book but could not do so. They sought
Reading the black book, by van der Wyngaert, 17th century.
(Author’s collection)