Paperblanks Lindau Midi Softback Flexi Journal – Lined, 176 Pages

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

The binding of the Lindau Gospels was designed in the late 8th century to inspire awe when the book was carried in processions or displayed on an altar. This sense of majesty extended even to the back cover, the jewelled design of which is reproduced on our Lindau journal cover.

The Story Behind the Design

The Lindau Gospels’ binding was designed to inspire awe when the book was carried in processions or displayed on an altar. The back cover, in particular, stands out as a piece of bookmaking masterwork and we are honoured to reproduce it for our Lindau Gospels series. Tooled in gilt, silver and enamel and adorned with jewels, this ornate binding stands as a powerful manifestation of art as a vehicle for belief.

Crafted in a German workshop near Salzburg between 750 and 800 AD, this gold and jewelled binding now stands proudly in New York’s Morgan Library and is heralded as being one of the most important acquisitions of the collection. J.P. Morgan purchased the illuminated manuscript in 1901, and it was this exquisitely designed book that set a new direction for many subsequent additions to his collections.

The Lindau binding is an archetypical representation of early- to mid-9th-century book publishing, with the overall effort being focussed more on ornamentation than on contents. During this time period, the majority of citizens would not have known how to read but would be drawn to the book cover as a metaphor for the information held within. Religious works, in particular, were given this treatment as the stories could easily be imparted to followers without a great deal of explanation.

Today, this binding continues to be admired as a gorgeous highlight from the medieval bookmaking era, whether or not the religious connotations are strongly felt. At Paperblanks we find inspiration everywhere, and we are pleased that this elaborately designed book from early history has become such a well-loved part of our selection.

• Original artwork: Back cover of the Lindau Gospels
• Era: Between 750 and 800 A.D.
• Region: Near Salzburg, Austria

Product Details

• Size: Midi – 130 × 180 × 13 mm
• Interior: Lined
• Pages: 176 (88 sheets)
• Paper: 100 gsm acid-free smooth paper
• Cover: Softback flexi (flexible cover)
• Binding: Smyth sewn – lies flat and stays durable
• Edge printing: Yes
• Corners: Rounded
• Pouch: Back cover pouch
• Design: Lindau
• Series: Lindau Gospels
• 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: 217 g
• Product code: FB6421-3 | ISBN: 9781439764213

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.