Maruman Notebook Mnemosyne Journal dot grid (A5)

The Mnemosyne N888 is Maruman's first journal-format notebook in its namesake series – named after the Greek goddess of memory. Inside a black plastic hardcover lie 239 numbered pages of acid-free, 90 g/m² Mnemosyne paper: smooth, subtly cream-tinted and particularly suited to fountain pens of all nib widths. The 5 mm dot grid is printed in delicate light grey, stepping back visually without compromising page orientation.

Features

• 90 g/m² Mnemosyne paper, acid-free: The higher weight makes the paper noticeably stiff and stable under the nib – wet inks, broad nibs and flex nibs perform with barely any show-through and minimal ghosting. The acid-free composition ensures the paper won't yellow over time.
• 5 mm dot grid in light grey: The dots guide your handwriting without the rigid feel of lines or grids. Edge markings on all four sides show precisely where each page can be divided into thirds or quarters – practical for columns, tables and structured layouts.
• 239 numbered pages + 4-page contents: Page numbers on every page allow cross-referencing; the contents list at the front transforms the notebook into a searchable archive, not just a writing pad.
• Black plastic hardcover: The surface is firm, easily wipeable and provides enough support to write without a pad underneath.
• Elastic band closure: Keeps the book securely closed even when full with tucked-in notes or cards.
• Two ribbon bookmarks: Both are colour-coordinated with the cover and allow you to mark two different places simultaneously – for instance the current page and the contents list.
• Expandable inner pocket: When opened, it holds loose sheets, receipts or clipped notes without permanently increasing the book's bulk.
• Thread binding: The book opens completely flat to 180° – both pages of a spread lie completely level without the binding pressing or giving.

Use & Tips

• Fountain pens: The 90 g/m² paper handles wet inks and broad nibs well. Fine to medium nibs produce the sharpest writing; with very wet broad nibs, drying time is comparable to similar ink-proof papers – a brief moment after writing suffices.
• Gel and liquid rollers: They flow smoothly and evenly on the smooth surface. Quick-drying gel refills further reduce drying time – helpful for left-handers.
• Bullet journalling and planning: The edge markings make dividing columns, trackers and weekly spreads quick and ruler-free. The contents list enables structured navigation through your notebook.
• Sketching and hand-lettering: The smooth paper captures fineliners and pigmented ink precisely; the dot structure doesn't interfere. For watercolour washes or very wet brush pen work, the paper is less suitable.
• Pencil: On the smooth, lightly coated surface, pencil grip is noticeably less than on coated or rougher papers – if you prefer pencil work, consider harder leads (HB–H).
• Archiving: The page numbers and contents list make the N888 a lasting reference work. Acid-free paper ensures inks and notes remain legible for years.

For Paper Enthusiasts

Mnemosyne paper is produced in Japan and features a characteristically smooth, slightly compressed surface – not glossy, but notably denser than uncoated writing paper. The subtle cream tint reduces the contrast between sheet and ink compared to bright white paper and is gentler on the eyes during extended writing sessions. The 90 g/m² paper of the N888 shows noticeably less show-through than the 80 g/m² paper of classic Mnemosyne spiral notebooks when using broad nibs and heavily inked lines – a relevant difference when writing on both sides. The thread binding without perforation means pages aren't designed for removal; the notebook is conceived as a closed archive.

Technical Specifications