Paperblanks Daphnis Mini Hardback Journal – Plain, 240 Pages

Capture your ideas, plans and memories in this Daphnis mini hardback journal from Paperblanks, with 240 plain pages of 120 gsm acid-free paper.

This binding was originally designed by Émile-Philippe Mercier for Jacques Amyot’s French translation of Daphnis and Chloe, a romantic story composed by the 2nd-century Greek author Longus. Our orange Daphnis journal has been crafted in a hue suggestive of the character’s joy and creativity.

The Story Behind the Design

Our Daphnis & Chloe design replicates a book binding containing a 1910 French edition of the story of the two eponymous characters. Written in the 2nd century AD in Greece, Daphnis & Chloe had lingered in obscurity for a long time before being published in a vernacular French translation by Jacques Amyot in 1559. After the story of two innocent lovers and the hurdles they overcame was introduced to European audiences, it entered the Western literary canon. Apart from being published and adapted for stage and film, the tale of Daphnis and Chloe has become a common source of influence in literature and art, including The Princess Bride.

The publication that became the basis of this Paperblanks design was bound by Émile-Philippe Mercier. This binding belongs to a classic tradition of adorning book covers with intricate patterns and patent symmetry as key elements. Unlike many bookbinders of the time, who were taking their cues from experimental artists and their novel forms of expression, Mercier stayed loyal to old principles. The central panel and outer frame of the design feature small details and delicate precision which are contrasted with the heavy, solid gilt tooling. In fact, for many years Mercier supplied all the gilt work for another esteemed bookbinder, Cuzon, gaining a mass of specialised experience. No wonder then that, once he started his own bookbinding business, it was his expert gilt tooling that earned him especially high praise.

With its muted gilding and rich inlay ornamentation, this design is steeped in a sense of majesty and splendour. The colours we have chosen are our homage to the courageous lovers and their romantic relationship. The details of this cover were done in orange as it is a warm colour that has strong associations with vigour, vitality and determination, the qualities that Daphnis had to demonstrate in order to reunite with his beloved. The green of the cover’s background represents hills and meadows, symbolising the setting of this iconic pastoral romance.

• Original artwork: Daphnis & Chloe book binding by Émile-Philippe Mercier
• Era: 1910 binding, 2nd-century story
• Region: France and Greece

Product Details

• Size: Mini – 95 × 140 × 26 mm
• Interior: Plain
• Pages: 240 (120 sheets)
• Paper: 120 gsm acid-free cream laid paper
• Cover: Hardback
• Closure: Elastic band
• Binding: Smyth sewn – lies flat and stays durable
• Edge printing: Yes
• Corners: Rounded
• Pouch: Memento pouch
• Design: Daphnis
• Series: Daphnis & Chloe
• Satin ribbon marker
• 100% recycled binder boards
• 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: 244 g
• Product code: PB3596-1 | ISBN: 9781439735961

About Paperblanks

Paperblanks works with museums, libraries, galleries and artists around the world to faithfully reproduce remarkable artwork, historic bindings and treasured manuscripts. Every book is made to last, with binder boards crafted from 100% recycled materials, and the back endpaper tells the fascinating story behind the cover design and credits its creators.