"Except for the signature, no one needs a pen these days anymore. Handwriting has been substituted by digital information, apart from quickly doodled notes. All the same, the personal writing utensil has not lost its attractiveness. On the contrary. Beyond daily routine and its use, handwriting accrues growing value. That which one writes by hand is not primarily information, but rather a personal message, distinguishable by content and form. Thus, more than ever, the "old" pen is surrounded by an aura of trademark in its own style. The writing utensil remains vital as a goal for the ongoing determination of designers and producers to fashion and construct, in order to commemorate adequately their desire for individualism.

This cultural item is founded on millennia of old tradition and history, which are depicted here in the "The Ultimate Book of Pens": from the biface to the stylus, pencil, fountain pen, to the point of digital writing. Dietmar Geyer, specialist author with passion and connected to "writers" of prominent companies all his business life, has taken its history of development full circle and back with knowledge and esprit. The following portraits of over 50 writing utensil manufacturers are thanks to versatile contacts with famous companies, as well as creative newcomers, enthusiastic connoisseurs and collectors. The selected jewelries fit in with a holistic look of the fascinating scenery.

Without manifold help, valuable contacts and new, as well old, sources, this book would not have been possible. A thousand thanks go to the participants at the publisher, to manufacturers and collectors meetings. Jens Rosler, the great-grandson of the Montblanc cofounder Claus J. Vob; as well as Martin Lehamann, the Pelikan specialist author; Gerhard Brandl, an enthusiastic collector; and Christoph Kurtenbach as well as other authors have added valuable contributions. To all of them, thanks are owed, that a piece of writing culture has been empathetically documented and can be laid into the hands of the readers."