John Gadd is an 83 year old diarist who over his lifetime has filled 151 volumes with four million words. His journals weigh in at half-a-tonne. In his journal he also includes photographs, illustrations, cuttings from newspapers and everyday items like food wrappers, tickets, and mementos. These bits of ephemera add to the story of one man’s life. His diary starts in 1947 and has been kept ever since which means his diary is eight times the size of War and Peace
John Gadd said ‘To begin with the diary was quite hard work and pretty boring. But after a few years I started being honest with myself and thought ‘what the hell am I doing this for if I can’t tell the truth?’
Follow the link for the full article Dear diary… Man, 83, shows off Britain’s biggest personal journal which he’s been writing for 66 years and images of John Gadd’s journals
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I used to think I was so neurotic saving newspaper articles and pictures cut out from magazines, and ticket stubs, candy bar labels, post cards, etc. Now I see there was nothing wrong with that, and it’s time to start rethinking how I keep my journal. Thanks for sharing this article!
Anne – pleased to hear you enjoyed it – hopefully the site will be useful to you
What an amazing archive! And he sounds like a lovely man too. The name Gadd niggled until I remembered that Paul Gadd is Gary Glitter! I don’t know if there is a relationship but he also lived in the west country. I met him once – before his convictions. A small man – hence the platforms – but also extremely charming. One can never tell!
Pleased you liked the article – I thought it was interesting and I liked how he looked outwards and describes his life.
That’s Amazing feat and very inspiring too.
Thank you,
Chitra
Thank you so much for sharing, Sharon. You have inspired me to begin at last. One page done and a whole creative future ahead.
Sandy Thats what I like to hear!
Loved reading this article. Especially his comment about not agreeing with his own opinions of 30 years ago. I would really love to pore over his diaries. Very inspiring.
Diane
Diane I loved that too – he was also very practical in his approach index every year.
Wow! How inspirational! Thanks for sharing. You are the best, Sharon! I hope you are enjoying your journey.
Yes Marianne we are back home till the end of the week then we fly out