Via an antiquarian auction house I acquire a facsimile of Johansson's manuscript, 'Signerier och Besvärjelser: Svartkonst från Lappland' ['Spells and Conjurations: Black Arts from Lapland'] alongside its companion, 'Salomoniska Magiska Konster' ['Salamonic Magical Arts']
The two slim volumes (printed by G Wendelholm förlag AB, who also handled the original editions) arrive in purple faux-velvet papers bound with coarse hand-rolled twine, an ostentatious wrapping concealing lurid red covers set with thick black letterpress plates
A well known impression of Johansson, a skull and crossbones, two disembodied hands touching fingers
Included is a small calligraphic note conveying thanks for a prompt payment and a playful warning to, 'use wisely the knowledge within'
I open both books with the caution of amulets, charms, talismans
