# 2016 Magic: The Gathering Commander 2016 #279

> Venser's Journal is a rare artifact book card from the 2016 Magic: The Gathering Commander set, offering unique gameplay mechanics.

Canonical URL: https://supercatch.com/product/magic-the-gathering-commander-2016-vensers-journal-279

## Identity

- **Year**: 2016
- **Brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set**: Commander 2016
- **Card Number**: 279
- **Featured**: Venser's Journal
- **Game**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Rarity**: Rare
- **Mana cost**: {5}
- **Type**: Artifact — Book
- **Language**: English
- **Material**: Card Stock
- **Finish**: Normal

## Description

Venser's Journal, designated as card number 279 in the Commander set released in 2016, stands as a distinctive artifact within the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Created by artist Christopher Moeller, this rare card introduces a specialized interaction that alters fundamental game rules regarding hand management and life totals. As an Artifact — Book, it carries a mana cost of five and serves as a powerful tool for players seeking to expand their strategic options during matches.

The card’s primary effect removes the standard limit on hand size, allowing players to hold as many cards as they desire without penalty. This change alone can significantly impact deck construction and gameplay tempo. Additionally, at the beginning of the controller’s upkeep, the card generates life gain equal to the number of cards currently held. This mechanic rewards players who build wide hands, turning card advantage into a sustainable resource for survival and long-term engagement. The flavor text hints at a Planeswalker’s extensive chronicle, adding narrative depth to its mechanical function.

Collectors and players value Venser's Journal for its unique design as a Book subtype, a feature not commonly found in standard artifact cards. Its inclusion in the Commander set highlights its role in multiplayer formats, where hand size limits and life totals often become critical factors in prolonged games. The card’s ability to facilitate both card advantage and life gain makes it a versatile addition to various strategies, particularly those focused on accumulation and endurance. While its specific utility depends on deck archetypes, its mechanical uniqueness ensures it remains a notable piece of the Commander expansion. Enthusiasts of the Magic: The Gathering universe often seek out this card for its blend of thematic flavor and functional gameplay, making it a memorable component of the 2016 release.

## FAQ

### What type of card is Venser's Journal?

Venser's Journal is classified as an Artifact — Book in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. It has a mana cost of five and is part of the Commander set released in 2016.

### How does Venser's Journal affect gameplay?

This card removes the maximum hand size limit for its controller. Additionally, it grants one life for each card in the player's hand at the beginning of their upkeep, rewarding large hands with life gain.

### What is the rarity of Venser's Journal?

Venser's Journal is a Rare card, indicated by its black symbol in the Commander set. It was illustrated by Christopher Moeller and carries the card number 279.

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Editorial content updated: 2026-09-29.

Site deployment: 2025-11-29.