Gutenberg bible page

The Gutenberg Bible, printed by Johannes Gutenberg around 1455, is a landmark in printing history and one of the world's most valuable books.

About this subject

The Gutenberg Bible, also known as the 42-line Bible, was the first major book printed in Europe using movable metal type. Produced by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany, between 1452 and 1455, it marked the beginning of the printing revolution. Each page features two columns of Latin text, with 42 lines per column (hence the name). The printing used an oil-based ink, innovative for the time, which allowed greater durability and clarity.

Approximately 180 copies were produced, with 45 on vellum and the rest on paper. Today, only 49 complete or partial copies survive, housed in libraries and museums worldwide, such as the U.S. Library of Congress and the National Library of France. A single leaf can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, while a complete copy is virtually priceless. The typographic design inspired modern fonts, such as the well-known "Old English Text".

The cultural and historical significance of the Gutenberg Bible extends beyond religion. It symbolizes the beginning of the democratization of knowledge, as before the press, books were hand-copied, expensive, and rare. The work influenced the Protestant Reformation, the Renaissance, and the Scientific Revolution by enabling the widespread dissemination of ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many copies of the Gutenberg Bible exist today?

Currently, 49 complete or partial copies of the Gutenberg Bible survive. Of these, 21 are complete, including 12 on vellum and 9 on paper.

What is the value of a Gutenberg Bible?

The value of a complete copy is incalculable, but it is estimated to exceed 100 million dollars. A single leaf can be worth between 100,000 and 500,000 dollars, depending on condition and provenance.

Why is the Gutenberg Bible called the 42-line Bible?

It is called the 42-line Bible because most pages contain 42 lines of text per column, although some pages have variations due to headers or chapter endings.