Paperblanks Astra Ultra Softback Flexi Journal – Plain, 176 Pages

Capture your ideas, plans and memories in this Astra ultra softback flexi journal from Paperblanks, with 176 plain pages of 100 gsm acid-free paper.

Our ethereal blue Astra cover comes from the 1789 binding of Missale Sacri Ordinis Praedicatorum, printed by Octavio Puccinelli publishers. The sewing was done on recessed cords to give the spines a smooth appearance and so, while the structure of books was uncomplicated, decoration became increasingly elaborate.

The Story Behind the Design

The Paperblanks tradition of reproducing vintage book covers showcases our appreciation of decorative bookbinding traditions. In this, our Nova Stella series, we wish to guide you back to the second half of the 18th century and its distinct manner of embellishing book covers.

The book whose cover is reproduced here is a 1768 publication of Missale Sacri Ordinis Praedicatorum, a volume containing instructions and texts for priests to use at mass throughout the year. It was published in Rome by Octavio Puccinelli, some of whose publications can still be found in major libraries around the world.

Certain elements of this design bring to light its origins. A major way in which 18th-century bindings differed from their 17th-century counterparts was how ornaments filled the space of the surface. Rather than creating ornate patterns that would fill out every available corner, binders would direct more of their efforts toward fashioning exquisite frames. The middle section would often remain blank or, as in this case, would feature a central object to complete the composition.

Upon a closer look at the shape in the middle of the design, you will discover that it encircles the monogram “IHS,” with a cross on top and a heart pierced with three nails just below. The monogram has been in use for many centuries, and over the years there have been many different interpretations of its meaning. Its true origin, however, is that it represents the first three letters of the name “Jesus” when written in Greek. This is a very subtle reference to the book’s contents, craftily worked into a design that otherwise impresses with its opulence of a secular kind.

With the help of the different colours that we used in combination with this design, we sought to reveal even more of its magnificence. For this Astra cover and its celestial theme, we chose a deep blue tone. In this shade you will find the sense of luxury of velvet and suede, and the grandeur of 18th-century cathedrals adorned with luxurious draperies and rich woods.

• Original artwork: Missale Sacri Ordinis Praedicatorum, published by Octavio Puccinelli
• Era: 1768
• Region: Rome

Product Details

• Size: Ultra – 175 × 225 × 12 mm
• Interior: Plain
• Pages: 176 (88 sheets)
• Paper: 100 gsm acid-free smooth paper
• Cover: Softback flexi (flexible cover)
• Closure: Elastic band
• Binding: Smyth sewn – lies flat and stays durable
• Corners: Rounded
• Pouch: Back cover pouch
• Design: Astra
• Series: Nova Stella
• Satin ribbon marker
• Decorative printed cover paper
• Endpaper with credit and copyright information as well as historical background for the original artwork
• Threaded stitching and glue, as needed
• Acid-free paper
• Memento pouch
• Weight: 388 g
• Product code: FB9625-2 | ISBN: 9781439796252

About Paperblanks

Paperblanks works with museums, libraries, galleries and artists around the world to faithfully reproduce remarkable artwork, historic bindings and treasured manuscripts, and every notebook is crafted with the same attention to detail, from the paper inside to the finish of the cover.