Gutenberg bible page

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

About this subject

The Gutenberg Bible, also known as the 42-line Bible, was printed by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany, around 1455. It marks the beginning of movable type printing in Europe, revolutionizing book production and access to knowledge. About 180 copies were produced, of which 49 survive today, most incomplete. Each page features 42 lines of text in two columns, with Gothic script and hand-painted illuminations added after printing.

Gutenberg's process combined metal type casting, a screw press adapted from wine presses, and an oil-based ink that adhered well to metal. Each page required setting approximately 2,500 characters, and a complete Bible took about three years to produce. The text is in Latin, based on the Vulgate of Saint Jerome. Illuminations varied according to buyer preference, making each copy unique.

The Gutenberg Bible was not only a technical achievement but also a cultural and economic event. It drastically reduced the cost of books, previously copied by hand, and accelerated the spread of ideas during the Renaissance. Today, copies are held in museums and libraries such as the U.S. Library of Congress and the National Library of France. In 2019, a volume was valued at over $20 million.

Interestingly, printing did not have an immediate impact: early printed books mimicked manuscripts, with space for manual decoration. But the technique quickly spread across Europe, leading to the production of millions of books in subsequent decades. The Gutenberg Bible is considered the most important book in history for its role in democratizing knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many copies of the Gutenberg Bible still exist?

About 49 copies survive today, most incomplete. Originally, around 180 copies were printed.

What makes the Gutenberg Bible so special?

It was the first major book printed with movable type in the West, revolutionizing book production and democratizing access to knowledge. Each copy is unique due to hand-painted illuminations.

How much is a Gutenberg Bible worth today?

In 2019, a volume was valued at over $20 million. They are rarely sold; most are held in public institutions.