From the creation of its first writing implements in 1868 to today's position as the world's second largest producer of fine writing instruments, Cartier has beautifully combined technical innovation with creative audacity. This volume features a comprehensive selection of pieces from Cartier's incredibly inventive repertoire-- pens, inkwells, mechanical pencils, calendars, stationary and other accessories-- dating from the middle of the 19th century to the present, weaving the story of Cartier's production as a joaillier into the broader fabric of the history of writing instruments and the famous clients who chose to use them. The historical pieces-- many of which are shown here for the first time-- are highly sought after by collectors, and even those made during the last decade are commanding record prices in the salesrooms. The Baron de Rothschild, J. P. Morgan, Mona Bismarck, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Rudyard Kipling are among the distinguished clients who wrote with magnificent pens and pencils made of gold or platinum, incorporating diamonds, jade, sapphires, emeralds, lacquer, mother-of-pearl, or ingenious timepieces and calendars. One-of-a-kind pieces from New York, Paris and London are thoroughly documented and illustrated with photography specially commissioned for this book. The contemporary writing instruments featured here, from the famous Must to the recent Diabolo de Cartier demonstrate how the company's designers are using the company's long-standing traditions to remain at the forefront of imaginative pen and pencil design for the future. This eloquent testimony to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Cartier's designers and craftsmen will be essential to collectors of writing instruments and to all those interested in jewelry and the decorative arts.

Francois Chaille has written numerous books on the history of fashion and luxury goods, including The Book of Ties (Flammarion), and Chapeaux d'homme (forthcoming).