Let’s start with a confession: I have a serious notebook size obsession. My desk is a mini mountain of notebooks, some nestled on bookshelves, others hidden away in a storage bin under my bed. I even have a fancy shoebox filled to the brim with them! Friends and family often find themselves recipients of my notebook care packages, which I send out either to share the joy or to make space for yet more notebooks, depending on who you ask.

Is There Such a Thing as "Too Many Notebooks"?

I used to wrestle with guilt over my collection. How many notebooks does one person really need? Why can't I be like those minimalist souls who buy a single notebook, fill it to the brim, and then move on to the next? I often envy my partner, who manages to keep everything he writes—lists, notes, ink swatches—all neatly organized in one trusty notebook sizes .

But then I had a revelation: there's so much joy in writing across different notebooks, each one holding its own unique charm and purpose. I thrive on the thrill of discovering new notebooks that I absolutely must have. The satisfaction I feel as I fill each page is unparalleled. I refuse to run out of paper—not in this lifetime or in the next hundred years! Given the current state of my stacks, I think I'm pretty safe.

After decades of this delightful “problem,” I was excited when Galen asked me to explore the fascinating world of notebook sizes and their various uses.

A Brief Dive into Notebook History

Notebook size have a rich history, spanning nearly 2000 years. While artists and writers have utilized them since ancient times, it was the 19th century that truly revolutionized the notebook, making it accessible and affordable for the masses.

The first pocket notebook size is believed to have been used by Lewis and Clark during their westward exploration, serving as a vital tool for recording their findings. The 1860s introduced the world to the composition notebook, featuring its iconic marble pattern, inspired by early Chinese and Japanese printing techniques. In 1888, a judge with a penchant for yellow paper inspired the creation of the first legal pad, crafted from leftover scraps.

The Many Sizes of Notebooks

Today, notebooks come in a variety of sizes, each designed for specific purposes.

  • Pocket Notebooks (A6): Perfect for on-the-go jotting, these compact beauties fit easily into a purse or pocket. Great for spontaneous thoughts, quick lists, or even sketching.

  • Standard Notebooks (A5): This size strikes a balance between portability and writing space. Ideal for journaling, note-taking, or even doodling during meetings.

  • Large Notebooks (A4): Perfect for detailed planning, academic notes, or art projects, these offer ample space for expansive ideas.

  • Specialty Notebooks: Think bullet journals, graph paper, or dotted pages. These cater to specific needs, allowing for creativity in layout and organization.

Finding Your Perfect Match

With so many sizes and styles available, the key is to find what resonates with you. Experimenting with different notebooks can be a delightful journey. Consider how you like to write, what you want to capture, and where you’ll be using your notebook.

Ultimately, whether you embrace a minimalist approach or revel in the joy of a collection, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy your notebooks. Celebrate the uniqueness of each one and let your creativity flow—after all, there’s no such thing as “too many notebooks” in the world of writing!

 

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