Research, working and editorial notes, circa 1992-1993, of Ian Rankin relating to the development of the plot and characters for ‘The Black Book’. Folios 1-82.

Some of the notes include references to specific drafts, including first and second drafts. Otherwise, as most of the notes are undated, the relation between the notes and the drafts is often unclear. Some notes have been revisited and subsequently annotated by Rankin as his development of the novel progressed. As far as possible, evidence of changes in theme and plot have been used to inform the arrangement.

Press cutting, undated, taken by Ian Rankin from a magazine to be used as research for his novel 'The Black Book'. Folio 83.

Publicity blurb, circa 1993, for ‘The Black Book’. Folio 84.

Cover proofs, 1997-2000, for Ian Rankin's novel 'The Black Book'. Folios 85-86.