This is my fifth book and first journal from Niccolò and I can't praise his work enough. You will not find this quality and unique style elsewhere. I can't imagine buying from a different bookbinder. Niccolò's books bring me so much joy and I can't wait to get the next book bound by him. He definitely grew into one of my most favourite artists in my life. If you love and treasure books he is the right man!

The journal works perfect for sketching. I use it for pencil drafts and illustrations for upcoming oil paintings. The paper quality and structure is really nice for pencil work. It is not the thickest paper though so the artwork might shine through on the backside a tiny bit. You should keep that in mind when sketching. I haven't tested using watercolour in the journal yet and I am unsure if I dare to. I usually use way thicker paper for watercolour paintings. However, for pencil work or rather dry mediums this journal is absolutely perfect. It will protect my art for a very long time whilst looking more than totally stunning.

I will keep buying and supporting Niccolò's work and grow a nice collection over the years. His handcraft and art is a treasure I want to keep on this world. I swear by everything I treasure as an artist: His books are worth every coin you spend! Don't hesitate if you have the chance to get one of his amazing and unique creations.

Thanks again dear Niccolò!

Very high Quality! Arrived very fast. I’m amazed at Bottega Obscura. I highly recommend any books from this company.

I initially wrote a fairly negative review of this journal, but after now using it for three weeks. I have altered my opinion to be much more favourable.
I initially had two chief complaints.
1. Paper quality. I stated this was poor. It isn’t. In fact, I have written in the journal with a 1.9mm stub nib with a very wet ink, and had not even a hint of feathering or bleeding, and in fact, only the tiniest hint of ghosting - and that’s quite incredible. I was initially put off because the paper is quite textured. However, it is undeniably good quality, if not initially to my taste. But also, over time, I have come to realise that the paper texture is really the only paper that would make sense in a journal of this kind. A shiny, coated paper would be completely out of place.
2. Concavity of the covers. This was a misunderstanding on my part. The style of binding used deliberately represents a medieval/olde worlde style of binding, in which the covers are properly somewhat concave. The have been perfectly stable.

Now I understand the product better, I could not be happier.

What a magnificent and beautiful journal Niccolo has created. Truly it is a piece of art. I have never ever seen a journal more beautiful than this, and the hand craftsmanship he lovingly pours into the leather is simply phenomenal. Truly a hand made lovingly created beautiful object.

Everything was first class. The way the journal was wrapped in the beautiful paper and custom red ribbon, and the tiny handwritten note was even sealed with hot wax. Old world quality and attention to detail.

The day after the journal arrived, Niccolo e-mailed with specific care instructions, which was extremely helpful.

Niccolò provided great customer service from start to finish. He is very responsive, professional, and thoughtful. I was blown away with the journal when I received it. They are beautiful in pictures online, but it was even more magnificent in person. The quality is really top notch. It is definitely a product you know someone made with lots of love, care, and expertise. Worth every dollar I spent and more.

The book is worth every penny like any of Nicolo's work. The attention to detail, craftsmanship and design all come together to make this something to enjoy and pass down through my family!

I received my beautiful book, and I am absolutely in awe. The book is even more magnificent than I expected. The craftsmanship is exceptional, the leather binding is luxurious and made in the "old traditional ways", the marbled papers are exquisite, and every detail reflects incredible care and artistry. This is truly a work of art that will be cherished for years to come.

A beautiful, worthy compliment to Tolkien's genius!

The Lord of the Rings has always been my favorite book, which prompted me to seek for a binding that could honor such a story. Niccòlo's binding not only honors, but dignifies it, taking the story to even greater heights with his artistry that seems to have come straight from a fantasy world. Having one of his books feels like holding magic in your very hands!

This is the third book I ordered from Niccolò and even though I already own two precious books from him I was once again stunned by the outstanding quality and the beauty of this book. Trust me when I say his books look even more amazing in reality than they do on the pictures. It is hard to describe. An image can't give the real look and feel you get holding these books. They are a treasure. Niccolò's handcraft is a treasure.
You won't find anything like it elsewhere. As a book lover I have come across a few bookbinders and none of them can compete with Niccolò. Sure it is always a matter of taste, too but quality wise, if you want something really sturdy and long living, then you are in best hands with Niccolò's books. I myself am in love with this old romantic designs, they make a highlight in every book collection and everyone appreciating books will appreciate Niccolò's work. Trust me! Please support this amazing artist so we can keep these outstanding hand sewn and hand bound books alive in this fast paced and digitally dominated world. If you think of buying from Niccolò - do it! You won't regret it. These books you save up money for are worth every coin spent.

What a beautiful volume and the custom addition on the spine is perfect. This will be a cherished heirloom forgenerations.

This is a truly outstanding work of art that brings so much flair to journaling. Pictures, videos or descriptions cannot hope to convey how wonderful it feels to hold in your own hands. In today's world handwriting is for people who appreciate tangible things and living slowly with intention in the present moment. I definitely recommend these journals for taking that to the next level.

It is always such a pleasure to receive one of these journals in the mail. They are beautifully wrapped, of course, with a hand-written thank you note, but holding one of these in your hands is a spiritual experience. The binding is exquisite, and per my request, the journal opens and lies flat without my having to hold it open. The paper is absolutely perfect for use with fountain pens (even juicy ones). It is clear that Niccolò spends a lot of time and effort putting the finest works together. I treasure every volume I've purchased from him and consider him a friend.

Finally a product that exceeded my expectations

This is my first but definitely not my last journal from Bottega Obscura. Aside from his true artistry, Niccolo offers great customer service. I am beyond happy with this purchase.