Gutenberg and The Press

Gutenberg and The Press

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           “Johannes Gensfleisch zur Landen zum Gutenberg was a German goldsmith and printer who introduced modern book printing.” (Wikipedia) His invention of a mechanical movable type printing started the Printing Revolution and was regarded as the most important event of the modern period. (Wikipedia)

            So how did Mr. Gutenberg come to great invention? It is said “around 1439, Gutenberg was involved in a financial misadventure making polished metal mirrors for sale to pilgrims from Aachen: in 1439 the city was planning to exhibit it collection of relics for Emperor Charlemagne but the event was delayed by one year.” (Wikipedia) “It is said the capital that was spent could not be repaid, so when the question of how to satisfy the investors came up, Gutenberg is said to have promised to share a secret.” (Wikipedia)

            In 1440 it is said that Gutenberg revealed “ the secret of printing based on his research, mysteriously entitled Kunst un Aventur (art and enterprise). (Wikipedia) It is not clear though if this was the early trail of his invention of the movable type because of the four year gap in record, but it may have be the beginning.

            By 1450, Gutenberg’s press was operational and a German poem had been printed. It is not for certain but it may have well been the very first item printed on the press. It is said that several prints where done between 1450 and 1455. Many items printed at this time are uncertain but it is said, “By 1452, with the aid of borrowed money, Gutenberg began his famous Bible Project. Two Hundred copies of the two-volume Gutenberg Bible were printed. (The Printing Press)

            That just a little back ground on Gutenberg and his Press. Where would we be with out inventions like this one?

Gutenberg Press Clip Art

http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/44800/44880/44880_guten_press_lg.gif

Gutenberg Museum Fribourg - Letter Case

http://www.carto.net/neumann/photographs/2006/fribourg_2006_04/05_gutenberg_museum_letter_case.jpg

                                                 Gutenberg Bible

http://www.theworldsgreatbooks.com/images/Misc/Gutenberg%20Leaf1.jpg

“Johannes Gutenbreg-Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.” Wikipedia site .20 October 2010.  <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannes_Gutenberg>

"The Printing Press." The History Guide site. 20 October 2010. <http://www.historyguide.org/intellect/press.html