Printing Press
Johannes started working on a device that would make it possible to print texts using movable blocks of letters and graphics. These, used with paper, ink, and a press, would make it possible to print books much faster and more cheaply than ever before. He used metals he was familiar with to cast 290 blocks of letters and symbols and created a ink of the consistency he believed to be ideal for printing on handmade paper. He adapted a wine press that allowed him to slide paper in and out of it and to squeeze water from the paper after printing.
He tested his moveable-type machine by printing a Latin book on speech-making in 1400's. When this test was successful, he took on his most famous project, the printing of The Gutenberg Bibles.
The bibles, printed in Latin, gained fame as the first books ever printed in Europe, and the first bibles printed in history. Two-hundred copies were made, each with beautiful illustrations and vibrant colors. Part of Gutenberg’s accomplishment was his technique for creating blocks to represent the calligraphy done in hand-made volumes, so that the original texts could be preserved. Characters and illustrations were later hand perfected. Today, only 22 of the original Gutenberg bibles are known to be in existence.
Gutenberg’s had a business partner Joahann Fust. They made a deal that Joahann would give him money to complete the printing press and continue on printing books. He got impatient and said Johannes was just spending money. Eventually Johann gained ownership of the printing business and completed the printing of the bibles.
He tested his moveable-type machine by printing a Latin book on speech-making in 1400's. When this test was successful, he took on his most famous project, the printing of The Gutenberg Bibles.
The bibles, printed in Latin, gained fame as the first books ever printed in Europe, and the first bibles printed in history. Two-hundred copies were made, each with beautiful illustrations and vibrant colors. Part of Gutenberg’s accomplishment was his technique for creating blocks to represent the calligraphy done in hand-made volumes, so that the original texts could be preserved. Characters and illustrations were later hand perfected. Today, only 22 of the original Gutenberg bibles are known to be in existence.
Gutenberg’s had a business partner Joahann Fust. They made a deal that Joahann would give him money to complete the printing press and continue on printing books. He got impatient and said Johannes was just spending money. Eventually Johann gained ownership of the printing business and completed the printing of the bibles.