Paperblanks Destiny Ultra Hardback Journal – Lined, 144 Pages

Capture your ideas, plans and memories in this Destiny ultra hardback journal from Paperblanks, with 144 lined pages of 120 gsm acid-free paper.

This design comes from an 1893 binding housing Voltaire’s Zadig, or The Book of Fate. First published in 1747, it tells the story of Zadig, an ancient Babylonian philosopher. The book is a philosophical treatise that provides thematic inspiration for the modern detective story, including for Edgar Allan Poe’s C. Auguste Dupin.

The Story Behind the Design

François-Marie Arouet (1694–1778), known as Voltaire, was a writer, philosopher, poet, dramatist, historian and polemicist of the Enlightenment era. The diversity of his literary offerings is surpassed only by its abundance: nearly 20,000 letters and more than 2,000 books and some 15 million words.

Born in Paris, Voltaire was the son of a well-established lawyer who wanted his son to follow in his own footsteps. The young Arouet changed his name to Voltaire and swiftly began making a name for himself as a writer.

Not just a prolific writer and poet, Voltaire is renowned for his views and ideas on rational religion and liberty. He was a man of reason and had a hatred for superstition. He endeavoured to champion his philosophies through his writings, and he crossed borders and cultures to spread his message.

This beautiful binding originally housed Voltaire’s Zadig, or The Book of Fate, his most popular work after Candide. The book was published in 1747 and this binding was crafted in 1893 by Chamerot et Renouard in Paris. The Book of Fate tells the story of an ancient Babylonian philosopher named Zadig. It is an example of how Voltaire used a story to comment on the issues of his time.

It was thanks to this zealous and formidable contribution to the Enlightenment era that the age is also known as the Age of Voltaire.

• Original artwork: Chamerot et Renouard’s binding for Voltaire’s Book of Fate
• Era: Bound in 1893, first published in 1747
• Region: France

Product Details

• Size: Ultra – 180 × 230 × 20 mm
• Interior: Lined
• Pages: 144 (72 sheets)
• Paper: 120 gsm acid-free cream laid paper
• Cover: Hardback
• Closure: Wrap closure with hidden magnets
• Binding: Smyth sewn – lies flat and stays durable
• Corners: Square
• Pouch: Memento pouch
• Design: Destiny
• Series: Voltaire’s Book of Fate
• 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: 534 g
• Product code: PB5478-8 | ISBN: 9781439754788

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.