The Notebook

A History of Thinking on Paper

By: Roland Allen

Narrated by: Mark Elstob

A Kirkus Most Anticipated Book of Fall 2024

We see notebooks everywhere we go. But where did these indispensable implements come from? How did they revolutionize our lives? And how can using a notebook help change the way you think? In this wide-ranging history, Roland Allen reveals how the notebook became our most dependable and versatile tool for creative thinking. He tells the notebook stories of Leonardo and Frida Kahlo, Isaac Newton and Marie Curie, and writers from Chaucer to Henry James; shows how Darwin developed his theory of evolution in tiny pocket books and Agatha Christie plotted a hundred murders in scrappy exercise books; and introduces a host of cooks, kings, sailors, fishermen, musicians, engineers, politicians, adventurers, and mathematicians, all of whom used their notebooks as a space to think—and in doing so, shaped the modern world.

In an age of AI and digital overload, the humble notebook is more relevant than ever. Allen shows how bullet points can combat ADHD, journals can ease PTSD, and patient diaries soften the trauma of reawakening from coma. The everyday act of moving a pen across paper, he finds, can have profound consequences, changing the way we think and feel: making us more creative, more productive—and maybe even happier.

©2023 Roland Allen (P)2024 Profile Books, Limited

An Interesting Look at History

The performance was excellent. I learned a lot and it was interesting to see the effect paper availability had on art, finances, mathematics, and even ICU recovery.
Only two somewhat negative thoughts: 1. I was hoping that the author might talk about notebooks or similar in the Eastern world, especially after mentioning wood pulp paper originated in Asia. 2. There were some chapters that seemed more repetitive and only serving to relate the topic to famous figures without novel aspects of the notebook.

Enlightening new angle on history!

Excellent writing, with a wide range of different viewpoints on medieval, modern and current history… fascinating. A very original lens for exploring art, science, business, literature, and other fields from the viewpoint of notebook usage over the last 600 years. Really enlightening. The narration was professional and consistently clear, though sometimes overly dramatic and a bit grating on the ears. But still enjoyed the whole book immensely.

It’s not a formal history in the authors own words. It is concise and well written.

There is nothing I didn’t like about this book. Except that it ended. It wraps up nicely at the end. If you are considering keeping a journal or notebook this will certainly motivate you to do so. If you are already doing so you will keep doing so.

A fascinating look at an often overlooked powerful tool.

I found this book to be absolutely wonderful.

Some of the reasons include:

- The narrator is exceptional-10/10!

-Even when I was familiar with the subjects covered, I received a lot of extra details because the book was written from the point of view of how the individual or group used notebooks;

- I learned interesting tidbits, like when lined notebooks were first patented; and

- I learned that even in today’s electronic world, the notebook still plays an important role.

As an inventor, my stacks of notebooks are a testament to that last bulleted item!

Surprisingly interesting and captivating

A delightful history of the notebook and it's role over the centuries in fostering creativity and invention.

Remarkable read

Informative and enjoyable to read.
Never knew I could enjoy a book about notebooks and its history

A fascinating tale through notebooks

This is a fantastic tale about how something so mundane as a note book change how people interact with the world.

Bill Bryson look out!!

Highly recommend. More than just a history. If you wished Bill Bryson wrote more books, look no further. Worth your time just for some of the insight provided.

How much can be said about an everyday commonplace

Amazing how much can be said about an everyday commonplace. Apparently the process of digesting information and then writing it down helps to implant it in the memory. And the opportunity to experiment and play increases creativity.

A Gem!

Who knew that the history of the notebook would be such an enjoyable and interesting story?