How I Use My Commonplace Book (And Why Merlin Would be Proud)

Welcome back to the History Nook.

Today, we're exploring commonplace books—a beloved tradition of collected thoughts, quotations, and oddments—and where I, hopefully, make Merlin proud.

So grab your favourite mug, find a soft space to curl up, and let's wander a little deeper into the past.

“The best thing for being sad," replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, "is to learn something. That's the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.”

― T.H. White, The Once and Future King

That’s one of my favourite quotes. There’s such raw, comforting truth in it—a truth that speaks to me on a very personal level. I’ve been through a lot, but the one thing that has always been there, like a sturdy bookcase in a storm, is learning.

When my mum was diagnosed with cancer in 2021, I found solace in learning everything I could about her treatment. When I moved to Scotland with barely anything to my name, I found comfort in documentaries. Knowledge steadied me.

Is it any surprise, then, that I keep a commonplace book?

What is a Commonplace Book?

A commonplace book is a type of journal, but not like a diary. It's where you gather quotes, interesting facts, poems, recipes, sketches, passing thoughts—anything you want to hold onto. If a diary captures feelings, a commonplace book captures ideas.

Some people colour-code their entries, some don’t. There are no rules, only the quiet joy of collecting.

My Book

Mine lives beside my desk—unless I’m off to a museum or a talk, in which case it comes along. I use a black gel pen (with little dinosaurs on top, obviously), highlighters and coloured pencils for organising, and occasionally coloured ink when I’m feeling dramatic.

Sometimes I decorate my pages like I’m an 11th-century monk, complete with illuminated borders and strange beasts that began as cats but quickly mutated into demons. (Index may be to blame.)

Inside you’ll find:

• Quotes and Latin phrases

• A growing list of classical authors and philosophers

• Song lyrics that haunt me in good ways

• Random facts (like the time Napoleon was attacked by rabbits)

• A list of Leo’s most endearing epithets for me

• And soon… a diagram of sword anatomy, just because

My first commonplace book began as a cross between a study journal and a “Today I Learnt” log. It’s grown into a repository for all the things I wish I could remember, but know I won’t. Sure, I could keep all this on my phone—but ink and paper feel more real, more rooted. And besides, you can’t doodle cursed cats properly on a screen.

Why Not Start One?

If you’re curious but unsure where to begin, here’s a gentle prompt:

"What was the last sentence that made you pause?"

Write that down. That’s your beginning.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed your time in The History Nook today.

Until next time, stay curious, and keep warm.

🐾 Editor’s Note: This post was supervised by Index, who batted two pens off the desk and sat on the spacebar. Her editorial stance remains firm. 🐾