Gutenberg bible page

Page from the Gutenberg Bible, the first major book printed in the West using movable type, a landmark in the history of communication and culture.

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 considered the first major book printed in the West using movable metal type, revolutionizing knowledge production and accelerating the Renaissance. The work consists of two volumes with a total of 1,286 pages, printed in Latin based on Saint Jerome's Vulgate. Each page has two columns of 42 lines, except for the early pages which had 40 or 41 lines. Gutenberg used a press adapted from wine presses and types that combined metallurgy and artisanal precision. The finish included hand-painted illuminations and decorations after printing, making each copy unique. Today, 49 known copies exist, of which 21 are complete, housed in libraries and museums such as the National Library of France and the Library of Congress. The Gutenberg Bible not only disseminated religious texts but also established a model for modern printing, democratizing access to information. Its production involved about 180 copies on paper and 30 on vellum, with a high initial investment that nearly bankrupted Gutenberg. Nevertheless, its legacy is invaluable: it marks the beginning of the age of mass communication and the spread of ideas that shaped the contemporary world.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many copies of the Gutenberg Bible exist today?

Today, 49 known copies of the Gutenberg Bible exist, of which 21 are complete and 28 are fragments or single volumes. They are housed in libraries and museums around the world.

Why is the Gutenberg Bible important?

The Gutenberg Bible is crucial as the first major book printed with movable type in the West, marking the beginning of modern printing. It enabled mass production of books, reducing costs and accelerating the spread of knowledge, deeply impacting culture, religion, and science.

In which language was the Gutenberg Bible printed?

The Gutenberg Bible was printed in Latin using the Vulgate, the biblical translation by Saint Jerome from the 4th century. Latin was the liturgical and academic language of Europe at the time.