The Pen: A Human History by Simon Garfield

The Pen: A Human History was always going to appeal to me. I love stationery: pens, beautiful paper, notebooks, stickers and all those tactile things that make writing and creating a pleasure.

What I hadn’t expected was just how fascinating the history behind such a simple, everyday object could be.

This is not simply a history of pens. Simon uses the pen to explore how we capture our thoughts, share ideas and connect with one another. From quills and fountain pens to the cheap, reliable ballpoint, the pen has evolved alongside us. Its story is closely connected to literacy, education, creativity and social change. As pens became cheaper and easier to use, writing became accessible to far more people. It’s amazing to think that this everyday object played an important role in the spread of literacy.

One of the themes I found particularly interesting was the contrast between innovation and nostalgia. Today, we live in a world of keyboards and digital devices, yet analogue stationery is enjoying a revival. So why does putting pen to paper still hold such appeal? It’s partly nostalgia, but there’s also something about the physical connection between pen and paper, and the slower pace of handwriting.

This also raises the question of what we may lose as handwriting becomes less central to our daily lives. Is handwriting a form of human expression worth preserving?

I found The Pen fascinating and full of unexpected stories. Simon cleverly takes an object so familiar that we barely give it a second thought and reveals just how much history and ingenuity lies behind it. It also reminded me why I still take pleasure in a new notebook, a favourite pen and writing something by hand.

This was the first Simon Garfield book I’ve read, and it’s left me wanting to explore his earlier work. If you enjoy social history, writing, design, or simply share my love for beautiful stationery, this book is for you. Follow Simon online.

Reviewer: Andrea Molloy

Canongate