Gutenberg bible page

The Gutenberg Bible, printed by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, is the first major book produced with movable type in the West, marking the dawn of the printing era.

About this subject

The Gutenberg Bible, also known as the 42-line Bible, was printed in Mainz, Germany, between 1454 and 1455 by Johannes Gutenberg. It represents a technological and cultural milestone: for the first time in Europe, a book was mass-produced using movable metal type, eliminating the need for manual copying. The text is the Latin Vulgate, Saint Jerome's translation, and each page features two columns of 42 lines, hence the name. Initial letters and ornaments were often hand-illuminated, making each copy unique.

The printing process involved casting individual type pieces, manual line composition, and a press adapted from wine presses. Gutenberg developed an oil-based ink that adhered well to metal, ensuring clear impressions. An estimated 180 copies were printed: 135 on paper and 45 on vellum (high-quality parchment). Each Bible contains approximately 1,282 pages bound in two volumes, weighing about 15 kilograms.

Today, 49 complete copies survive, along with several partial ones, held by institutions such as the Library of Congress, the British Library, and the National Library of France. A vellum copy sold in 1987 for over $5 million underscores its immense value. The Gutenberg Bible is not only a religious icon but a symbol of the knowledge revolution: it paved the way for mass printing, literacy, and the spread of ideas that led to the Protestant Reformation and the Enlightenment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many copies of the Gutenberg Bible still exist?

There are 49 complete copies and several partial ones held in libraries and museums worldwide.

What is the value of a Gutenberg Bible?

There is no fixed price, but a vellum copy sold for over $5 million in 1987. Its value is immeasurable.

Where can I see a Gutenberg Bible?

Copies are displayed at the Library of Congress (USA), British Library (UK), Bibliothèque nationale de France, and others.