The New Yorker: 2011 Desk Diary

I've been using these calendar/date books for more than two decades. I keep them all on one shelf --- a row of my personal history that, when it's time, will be the raw material for my memoir. (I picked up this idea from Anita Loos, who kept no diary. Her calendars --- the brief record of her lunches, assignations and social obligations --- were all she needed to jumpstart her memories.)

I like the New Yorker diary because, at 7 1/4" x 10", it's hard to misplace. Because it starts with a dozen pages of useful information: phone numbers for airlines, hotels, credit cards, car rental agencies, international dialing codes. Because its local information is just what I want: top-flight New York restaurants, art galleries, a subway map. Because, in the back, there's a pocket that holds papers I need with me. Because the binding is strong, the cover looks like leather, and there's a grosgrain ribbon that's a useful bookmark.

And let's not overlook the mood...Read more

This is a calendar book/diary I buy ever year. Only last year did I discover it could be bought here. I had theretofore bought it much more expensively from THE NEW YORKER. Only trouble is it is quite large and generally takes up a lot of desk space. The cartoons make it worth it though.

I buy The New Yorker Desk Diary every year, mostly for professional use although it's proven to come in handy for keeping up-to-date with personal business as well. I also buy an extra as a gift. Amazon has the best prices, and w/ two you can't beat the free shipping.