The most influential book published by Gutenberg was the Gutenberg Bible in 1455. The new printing press helped provide an economical way to share ideas and knowledge in an affordable way for ordinary people. This printing press was soon influential in the development of the Renaissance, The Reformation and The Age of Scientific Enlightenment. With the new invention, 42 lines could be printed at once, dramatically reducing the labour and cost of creating books (which previously had been handwritten manuscripts). The key element of the printing press was the use of moveable type printing – adjustable wooden characters (later metal), the use of an oil-based ink and a wooden printing press derived from the screw presses used in agriculture. His first working printing press was revealed in around 1450 in Strasbourg. With financial backing from a wealthy moneylender Johann Fust, Gutenberg was able to bring his ideas to fruition. The genius of Gutenberg’s printing press is that it incorporated various technologies from different fields into a practical and affordable way of printing books. It is also said the idea for the printing press, came like a flash of light, though this may have been an embellished story – added at a later day. It is said he promised his creditors that they could have a share in the new printing press that he was working on. Sometime in his 30s, Gutenberg moved, with his family to Strasbourg.Īt one point, Gutenberg became heavily indebted due to a failed investment in holy mirrors. He started his working life as a merchant but then moved into work as a blacksmith and goldsmith.
Gutenberg was born in the German city of Mainz. Gutenberg’s printing press revolutionised the creation of books and helped make them affordable, ushering in a new era of affordable books and literature. 1398 – February 3, 1468) was a German blacksmith, goldsmith, printer, and publisher who invented the world’s first printing press.
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