Some of the topics discussed include the invention of the ballpoint pen by László Bíró,[1] the development of the Pritt glue stick, the design of the paperclip, the shape of Stabilo highlighters,[2] the possible uses of Blu-Tack, and urban legends about the development of ballpoint pens during the Space Race.

[3] Andrew Martin of The Observer wrote in a review that Adventures in Stationery is "elegantly written, but in a strangely blank, glassy-eyed tone" and opined that although Ward's personal anecdotes were interesting, more interviews with other subjects should have been included in the book.

[2] In a review for the Financial Times, Alexander Gilmour wrote that "Ward writes with a blend of wit, unhealthy obsession and pure love" and described the book as "high-class pornography for the stationery enthusiast".

[3] Alex Sarll of the Irish Examiner summarised the book as a "chatty, witty treasure-trove" of facts and believed it "deserves a wider audience" than just stationery fans.

[4] Ben Richardson, who gave the book 2 out of 5 stars in a review for the South China Morning Post, felt that it was little more than "a laundry list of 'fancy that!'