Lists of Note

Lists of Note assembles 125 real-life lists created by historical figures, artists, writers, scientists, and other notable individuals throughout time. The book presents each list with context about its creator and the circumstances of its creation. The collection includes to-do lists, inventories, rules for living, creative brainstorms, and personal reflections spanning multiple centuries and cultures. From Leonardo da Vinci's shopping records to Johnny Cash's list of essential items, these documents capture both mundane details and profound moments. The lists showcase the full spectrum of human activity - from artistic ambitions and scientific discoveries to daily routines and personal struggles. Their preservation provides unfiltered glimpses into the minds and lives of remarkable people at specific moments in time. This compilation reveals how the simple act of list-making serves as a universal tool for organizing thoughts, planning actions, and making sense of the world. Through these artifacts, patterns emerge about human nature and the shared impulse to impose order through the written word.

Readers value the book's diverse collection of historical lists and the glimpses they provide into notable figures' lives and thought processes. The physical book's design and presentation of archival materials receives frequent mention in reviews. What readers liked: - Mix of profound and mundane lists - High-quality reproductions of original documents - Balance of humor and historical significance - Brief but informative context provided for each list - Coffee table book appeal What readers disliked: - Price point ($40) considered high by some - Large format makes it impractical to read in bed/transit - Some lists feel included just to pad the collection - Occasional difficulty reading handwritten lists Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (230+ reviews) Notable reader comment: "Each list is a miniature time capsule that reveals something intimate about its creator" - Goodreads reviewer Several readers noted they preferred Usher's previous book "Letters of Note" for its emotional depth.

The Book of Lists by David Wallechinsky A compilation of unusual facts and historical curiosities arranged in list format covering topics from crime to entertainment to science.

Letters of Note by Shaun Usher A collection of historical correspondence between notable figures throughout history, presenting intimate glimpses into their lives and thoughts.

Schott's Original Miscellany by Ben Schott A treasury of facts, lists, and miscellaneous information covering traditional knowledge, forgotten lore, and contemporary culture.

Cabinet of Curiosities by Gordon Grice A catalog of natural wonders, unusual specimens, and scientific oddities organized into collection-style entries with illustrations.

Atlas Obscura by Joshua Foer A compendium of the world's hidden places, unexplained phenomena, and forgotten histories presented in encyclopedic format.

✦ The author, Shaun Usher, began his journey collecting fascinating lists by creating the popular blog "Lists of Note," which eventually led to this book and several other compilation works including "Letters of Note." ✦ Among the notable lists featured in the book is Johnny Cash's to-do list, which humorously includes "Kiss June" and "Not kiss anyone else" alongside more practical tasks. ✦ The book contains a heartbreaking list written by explorer Robert Scott in 1912, penned as he lay dying in Antarctica, detailing final messages to his loved ones and supporters. ✦ Leonardo da Vinci's shopping lists, included in the compilation, were written vertically from right to left - a technique he commonly used to keep his notes private. ✦ The physical book is beautifully crafted as an oversized hardcover featuring 125 lists spanning multiple centuries, with many reproduced in their original form including handwriting, sketches, and personal annotations.