The Gutenberg Bible is named after Johannes Gutenberg, the German inventor of printing press. The word "Gutenberg" is pronounced as /ˈɡuːtənbɜːrɡ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "u" sound is pronounced as "oo" in "book," and the "e" sound is pronounced as in "bed." Meanwhile, the "g" sound is hard, like "goat." The word "bible" is pronounced as /ˈbaɪbl/, with a long "i" sound as in "eye" and a hard "b" sound. Together, the words create a name that is both historical and important to the world of printing.
The Gutenberg Bible refers to the first major book printed using movable type in the 15th century by Johannes Gutenberg. It is considered a groundbreaking achievement that revolutionized the process of book production and played a significant role in the development of the printing industry.
Also known as the 42-line Bible or the Mazarin Bible, the Gutenberg Bible was completed around 1455. It consists of two volumes, containing the Old and New Testaments, and is printed in Latin using a textual style known as blackletter. The Gutenberg Bible is renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship, with each page meticulously printed by hand using movable metal type, a method that drastically accelerated the duplication of books compared to traditional manuscript production.
Featuring stunningly detailed illustrations, exceptional typography, and a durable construction, the Gutenberg Bible set new standards in book-making. With its distinct aesthetic and technical advancements, it marked a turning point in the dissemination of knowledge and contributed to the spread of literacy and education throughout Europe.
Due to the rarity and historical significance of the Gutenberg Bible, surviving copies are highly prized artifacts. Only around 50 copies remain, making it one of the most valuable and sought-after books in the world. The Gutenberg Bible represents an innovative and pivotal moment in human history, shaping the future of communication, printing, and the accessibility of written information.
The word "Gutenberg Bible" is named after Johannes Gutenberg, a German printer and publisher who is credited with inventing the mechanical movable type printing press in the 15th century. The term "Bible" refers to the specific book that Gutenberg printed using his revolutionary technique.