Rather than provide a detailed review, or parsing through my reading notes, I will provide some higher level perspective on the history of the notebook, based on my observations from the book.
Introductory Phase
When low cost paper notebooks were first widely available, starting in the 1300’s, it represented the emergence of a new technology. Prior to this, expensive sheets of parchment were used to write on, or perhaps wax tablets could hold engravings until the tablets were melted and resurfaced into a blank form again.
Roland Allen points out that paper isn’t just a cheap substitute for parchment, since it has different properties. People adopted it, and adapted it to new uses, not just because it was cheap, but because you could do different things with it.
Growth Phase
Like any new technology, it took some time for innovators to determine how to use it, and also to develop new uses and applications. Notebooks were first used to create business records, followed by reference books, sketchbooks, diaries, and journals.
Like any new technology, innovation is enhanced by trade (access to new markets, people, and ideas) and by social contact. I don’t think it’s coincidental that Italy was a strong leader in textile manufacturing, banking, business services, and marine transport from the late 1300’s through the 1500’s, at the same time as having several paper manufacturers. Some of these paper manufacturers are still in business today. The Renaissance was born in Italy during this same period, with a Europe-led revolution in the arts (Leonardo da Vinci), sciences (Isaac Newton), and mathematics (calculus, double entry accounting, financial analysis)
For any product, widespread use, easy availability, and continued innovation by users, increases interest and demand. This increased demand increases manufacturing supply. Increased supply lowers product cost, which often translates into lower market prices for the product, which stimulates even more use and innovation.
This same product life cycle existed for notebooks, as it does today for cell phones, video game consoles, and various social media platforms.
Maturity Phase
Notebook technology today is relatively mature, but new uses are still being developed. Look up “bullet journaling” or “common place book” on Youtube, Instagram, or Facebook and you’ll see what devotees are doing now. It’s quite different than even a couple of years ago. The evolution continues.
Here are a few ways that notebooks are being used today.
- Memory keeping (journals, diaries, scrapbooks)
- Creative Production (scientific discovery, visual art, writing/songwriting, sketchbooks)
- Productivity (task management)
- Learning (note taking from books, lectures, other media, copying masterworks, daily observation and analysis)
- Common-Placing (creating personal reference material)
- Problem Solving (brainstorming, mind mapping)
Final Thoughts
“If your business is words, a notebook can be at once your medium, and your mirror”
And the following is attributed to Mae West, although she may not have been the first
“Keep a diary, and someday it’ll keep you.”