The published collection of Kurt Cobain's journals contains authentic writings and drawings from his personal notebooks.
The 2002 publication 'Kurt Cobain Journals' by Riverhead Books contains reproductions of actual journal entries, sketches, and notes written by Cobain between 1987 and 1994. The authenticity of these journals has been verified by multiple sources close to Cobain, including Courtney Love (who authorized their publication), former bandmates, and Cobain's biographers.
The collection includes approximately 800 pages selected from Cobain's extensive personal archives, with minimal editing to preserve their original form. The journals contain Cobain's handwritten notes on song lyrics, band business, personal reflections, and drawings.
Forensic document experts have confirmed the handwriting matches Cobain's known writing style from other verified documents. Additionally, the content of the journals aligns with known events in Cobain's life and creative process that have been independently verified.
While the decision to publish Cobain's private journals posthumously has been controversial among some fans and critics, the authenticity of the material itself is not in serious dispute among scholars and those who knew Cobain personally.
It's worth noting that the published journals represent a curated selection from Cobain's complete writings, chosen by editors in consultation with his estate. Some sensitive or private content was likely excluded from publication.