black book

plural black books

1. Alternative letter-case form of Black Book.
2. Synonym of little black book.

   The pair do not appear to have discussed the irony of a famous billionaire who kept a black book of his connections with the global elite helping Mr. Bannon whip up anti-elitist political sentiment.

   2026 February 16, Sharon LaFraniere, Teresa Mondría Terol, “Despite Epstein’s Toxicity, Steve Bannon Stood by Him, Texts Indicate”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 16 Feb 2026

   Synonyms: little black book

alternative black book

1. Any of several books or documents of a political character, published at different times of history and for different purposes.
   1. historical or currentThe Black Book of the Exchequer, a book compiled in the 12th century, containing a description of the court of exchequer of England, an official statement of the revenues of the crown, etc.
   2. historical or currentThe Compendium Compertorum, a document containing details of the abuses practiced in the English monasteries and religious houses, compiled by order of their visitors under Henry VIII, to hasten their dissolution.
   3. historical or currentThe Black Book of the Admiralty, a book on admiralty law written in Old French, containing important decisions of the High Court of Admiralty, compiled in the reign of Edward III.
   4. historical or currentA 19th century book detailing the corruption and financial abuses of the British government.
   5. historical or currentThe Sonderfahndungsliste G.B., a list compiled by the Schutzstaffel of prominent British citizens and residents to be arrested in the event of a Nazi invasion of Britain.
   6. historical or currentA book or document kept in the football briefcase of the United States President, describing nuclear retaliation options.

plural Black Books · alternative black book

1. A book critiquing or denouncing something.

   the Black Book of Communism

   1 more example

   the Black Book of Polish censorship

2. A book kept for the purpose of registering the names of persons liable to censure or punishment, as in the English universities, or the English armies
3. human sciencesAny book dealing with necromancy.