Gutenberg bible page

The Gutenberg Bible, printed by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, is the first major book produced with movable type in Europe.

About this subject

The Gutenberg Bible, also known as the 42-line Bible, was printed in Mainz, Germany, around 1455. It marks the beginning of typographic printing in the West, revolutionizing the dissemination of knowledge. The work consists of two volumes totaling 1,286 pages, printed on both paper and vellum. An estimated 180 copies were produced, of which only 49 survive today, with 21 complete.

The page design reflects the transition between illuminated manuscripts and printed books. Gutenberg designed movable type to mimic the Gothic calligraphy of the time, known as Textura. Capital letters and ornaments were often added by hand after printing, making each copy unique. The ink was oil-based, more durable than that used in manuscripts.

A typical page features two columns of text, each with 42 lines hence the alternate name. Margins are wide, allowing for handwritten annotations. Printing was done with a press adapted from wine presses, and Gutenberg used an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony for the type, which withstood high pressure.

The cultural importance of the Gutenberg Bible is immense: it accelerated the Protestant Reformation, the spread of scientific knowledge, and linguistic standardization. In 1455, the Catholic Church initially saw it as a tool to standardize liturgical texts, but the impact went far beyond. Today, a complete copy is worth hundreds of millions of dollars and is housed in institutions like the Library of Congress and the British Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pages does the Gutenberg Bible have?

The Gutenberg Bible has 1,286 pages, divided into two volumes.

Why is it called the 42-line Bible?

Because most pages contain 42 lines of text per column, though some have 40 or 41 lines.

How many copies of the Gutenberg Bible still exist?

There are currently 49 known copies, of which 21 are complete and 28 are incomplete or fragmented.