The NotebookRoland Allen
The Notebook
A History of Thinking on Paper
by Roland Allen · first published 2023
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2024–2026first – last mentioned
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The first history of the notebook, a simple invention that changed the way the world thinks. We see notebooks everywhere we go. But where did this simple invention come from? How did they revolutionise our lives, and why are they such powerful tools for creativity? And how can using a notebook help you change the way you think? In this wide-ranging story, Roland Allen reveals all the answers. Ranging from the bustling markets of medieval Florence to the quiet studies of our greatest thinkers, he follows a trail of dazzling ideas, revealing how the notebook became our most dependable
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Yeah, this subject is a bit of a rabbit hole. I've read about half of the so far. That's my list of sources from those that I have so far. I would say start with: * The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper by Roland Allen (This is a fast micro history that hits the highlights.) * Too Much To Know: Managing Scholarly Information Before the Modern Age by Ann M. Blair (She…
on “Ask HN: What did you find out or explore today?” ↗…yet readable; Boris Johnson's memoir Unleashed, great fun if you like his tone; Colonialism, a Moral Reckoning, Nigel Biggar, an antidote to the more ahistorical versions of the BLM narrative. The Notebook - A history of thinking on paper, Roland Allen - a joyful romp through the notebook's history; Elusive - How Peter Higgs solved the mystery of Mass, Frank Close - a nice account of the discovery of the…
on “Ask HN: What were the best books you read this year?” ↗The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper, by Roland Allen. From the title, it sounds very tedious, but I think it’s super cool. It chronicles the history of notebooking/journaling and the impact it’s had throughout…
on “Ask HN: What are you reading?” ↗