Collideoscope

Posted by: David Bunch

I've been reading through a book called ideaSPOTTING by Sam Harrison about being more creative by being more observant, creating valuable networks, keeping notes of ideas, etc. The book states that a lot of artists, musicians and writers prefer to journal in Moleksines.

I didn't really know what a Moleskines was so I researched it a bit and it has a pretty fascinating history. In short, a Moleskine is a black leather journal with an expandable flap in the back for keeping notecards and articles, and a stretchy closure on the outside to keep the book shut.

For two centuries now Moleskine (mol-a-skeen'-a) has been the legendary notebook of artists, writers, intellectuals and travelers. From gifted artists Henri Matisse (1869–1954) and Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890), to poet and leader of the surrealist movement André Breton (1896-1966) to Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) considered the most influential writer of the last century, to famous travel writer Bruce Chatwin (1940-1989).

Despite the extraordinary tradition of Moleskine notebooks there was a pause in production in 1986. Writer-traveler Bruce Chatwin used to buy his moleskine at a Paris stationery shop in Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, always stocking up before going on his infamous journeys. He gave his friend Luis Sepùlveda, a Chilean novelist, a precious moleskine before a trip to Patagonia. It was precious because by then the notebooks were no longer to be found, as the small family concern in Tours closed down. "Le vrai moleskine n’est plus" were the lapidary words of the stationer to Chatwin who had ordered one hundred before leaving for Australia. Now, the Moleskine tradition has been revived by Italian manufacturer Modo & Modo. It can go back to being a witness, passing from one pocket to another and continue the adventure.

You can purchase Moleskine online at Amazon. A portion of your order will go to support the ministry of 90&9!