Gutenberg bible page

The Gutenberg Bible, printed by Johannes Gutenberg around 1455 in Mainz, is the first major book produced using movable type in the Western world.

About this subject

The Gutenberg Bible, also known as the 42-line Bible, was printed by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany, around 1455. It is regarded as the starting point of typographic printing in the West, using movable metal type. Approximately 180 copies were produced, of which about 49 survive today, including 21 complete copies. Each copy has 1,286 pages, usually in two volumes, and was printed on paper or vellum (high-quality parchment). The text is the Latin Vulgate, with hand-painted illuminations and decorations added later, making every copy unique. This work revolutionized knowledge dissemination by drastically reducing the cost and time of book production. Its high historical and artistic value makes it one of the world's most valuable books, with copies held by institutions such as the U.S. Library of Congress, the French National Library, and the Abbey of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many copies of the Gutenberg Bible still exist?

About 49 copies survive today, of which 21 are complete and the rest are fragmentary or incomplete.

Where are the main copies of the Gutenberg Bible located?

Copies are held in libraries and museums worldwide, such as the U.S. Library of Congress, the French National Library, and the British Library.

Why is the Gutenberg Bible so important?

It marked the beginning of movable type printing in Europe, enabling mass production of books and facilitating the spread of knowledge, which had a major impact on the Reformation and the Renaissance.