Johannes Gutenberg



Born in 1398 in Germany, Johannes Gutenberg is best known for his invention of movable mechanized type, which played an important role in the development of the Renaissance, the Reformation and the Scientific Revolution. Movable type was a massive improvement of the handwritten manuscript and allowed for much faster production of printed materials. Movable type was also invented in China at approximately the same time that Gutenberg developed his invention. However, Gutenberg was instrumental in spreading its use across Europe and the World.

Gutenberg's major publication was a Bible, which is referred to as the 42-line Bible, the Mazarin Bible or the Gutenberg Bible. The book first appeared in 1455, although it is thought to have undergone production starting in 1454, and there were approximately 180 copies produced, of which 21 complete copies still exist. The book set many of the printing standards for future publications and is still referenced for its quality in production and typography.