Van
Gogh's Moleskine kept in Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum
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 and to famous travel writer Bruce Chatwin (1940-1989). These notebooks have proven they can withstand the trials of travel and abuses that ensues from normal use. This is the one true trusted travel journal.
"I am the Cahier belonging to Mr. Picasso, painter" :
Pablo Picasso
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 had closed down.
The Notebook of Andre Breton (1916) : Andre Breton
"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.
The Notebook of Andre Breton (1916) : Andre Breton