About the book
Roland Allen sets out a history of the notebook and argues that this plain invention reshaped how people think. His account moves from the markets of medieval Florence to the studies of scientists, artists and writers: Marie Curie and Isaac Newton, Frida Kahlo and Leonardo, Henry James and Chaucer. Darwin works out evolution in small pocketbooks, Agatha Christie plots her murders in exercise books, and Bruce Chatwin plays an unknowing part in the birth of the Moleskine. Kings, sailors, cooks and engineers appear too. Allen also argues the notebook still matters in an age of AI, citing bullet points for ADHD, journals for PTSD and diaries for patients waking from coma.
Ryan Holiday counted it among the very best books he read in 2024, calling it a lovely book that few people seemed to be discussing, about one of the most transformative technologies ever made.
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This book has 1 recommendation
Ryan Holiday (Media Strategist, Author, Founder/Brass Check)
My British publisher sent me this which I’m glad about because I haven’t heard anyone talking about Roland Allen’s lovely book about one of the most transformative pieces of technology ever invented.
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