NICK BANTOCK’S epistolary novel Griffin & Sabine, which traces the metaphysical relationship between a postcard artist and a stamp illustrator, was a cultural touchstone during the early 1990s, selling millions of copies, spawning two sequels, and creating a cult-like following for the British-born artist. Now, 25 years later, the titular lovers have returned for the fourth book in the series, The Pharos Gate: Griffin & Sabine’s Lost Correspondence.
The romantic tale, about two artists who mysteriously connect through written correspondence without ever physically meeting, was inspired by a trip Bantock took to the post office, where he observed someone “getting good mail, and me getting the usual crap.” Bantock, who now lives in Victoria, had never written a word, but did have experience illustrating book covers. He created a mock-up of his idea – a story told completely through postcards and letters, which could be removed from physical envelopes, creating an intimate experience for readers.
“I knew it was viable because I had been working with popup books. I understand the nature of gluing things into books,” Bantock says. His publisher, Chronicle Books, found an envelope maker and printer in Hong Kong willing to collaborate on the components.