Paperblanks Daphnis Mini Softback Flexi Journal – Lined, 208 Pages

Capture your ideas, plans and memories in this Daphnis mini softback flexi journal from Paperblanks, with 208 lined pages of 80 gsm acid-free paper.

Inside the original 1910 version of this sumptuous binding lay one of the oldest and most effortlessly romantic stories ever written: Daphnis and Chloe by the 2nd-century Greek author Longus. Our Chloe journal features a purple design, representing the character’s wisdom, dignity and mystery.

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 dark teal of the Chloe cover evokes a sense of the Mediterranean region, one of the settings in the original story. It also evokes popular decorative colours of the era when the French translation was published – a time when Europe was experiencing a cultural rebirth that originated in Italy. Associated with a sense of dignity, wisdom and mystery, with which Chloe faced adversity, purple was our choice of colour for the design’s details.

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

Product Details

• Size: Mini – 90 × 140 × 12 mm
• Interior: Lined
• Pages: 208 (104 sheets)
• Paper: 80 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: Daphnis
• Series: Daphnis & Chloe
• 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: 133 g
• Product code: FB9824-9 | ISBN: 9781439798249

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.