Johannes Gutenberg's Life

Johannes Gutenberg was Born

Jan 9, 1398

Johannes Gutenberg's birth is believed to have occured sometime from 1398-1400. He was born in Mainz, Germany, to the parents Friele Gensfleisch zur Laden and Else Wyrich.

Strasbourg

Jan 8, 1430

Much of Gutenberg's early life is unknown, but he is believed to have moved to Strasbourg, possibly because of an uprising that happened between the patricians and the different guilds.

Begining of the Printing Press

Jan 10, 1436

In this year, Gutenberg starts inventing the printing press and toys with various ideas involving the printing press.

The Printing Press is Born

Jan 8, 1440

Gutenberg perfected his printing press. This printing press uses single letter molds that can be arranged to form a page, and then are secured in a frame, covered in ink, and a special press presses the paper onto the molds.

Gutenberg Establishes Printing Shop in Mainz

Jan 8, 1444

Gutenberg moved back to Mainz and established a printing shop, maybe two, there. At the shop, he printed and sold Latin grammar textbooks, and religious letters of indulgence.

Gutenberg Prints the Poem of Last Judgment

Jan 8, 1446

Gutenberg printed the poem of Last Judgment to prove that evryone could afford their own books, and that books could be printed without using too much money.

Gutenberg Perfects the Metal Molds

Jan 8, 1446

Using an unique blend of tin, lead and atimony (a blue-white metal used frequently in the modern world) , Gutenberg finally found a material for the letter molds that could ensure that the letters on the page were clear and readable.

Impacts of Gutenberg Revolution

Jan 8, 1446

When he finally perfected his printing press, Gutenberg didn't know that he started a whole new revolution, the Gutenberg Revolution. Here are a few impacts: - Education was more widespread now, due to the decrease in book prices and increase in reading material for the poor middle class
-there was more job positions available
-New concepts and idea spread much quicker
-other scientists and historians could now publish their findings at a low cost
-now, people were more aware of current events

Gutenberg Forms Partnership with Fust

Jan 10, 1450

Around 1450 Gutenberg is believed to have established a partnership with merchant Johann Fust, even though in 1449, there is proof of Fust lending money to Gutenberg for equipment.

Gutenberg Prints the Biblia Sacra

Jan 10, 1453

From 1453-1454 Gutenberg printed many, many 42 line bibles, based on the Biblia Sacra, which were later sometimes illustrated by hand. This revolutionized how people saw religion, as now that more people could buy them, more people questioned the Bible and started searching for facts, and proof, to support different things.

Gutenberg and Fust go to Court

Jan 8, 1456

Around this time, Gutenberg and Fust had a series of arguements, as Fust believed that Gutenberg was spending all the money Fust lent. In the end, Fust took the matter to court, and since the judge went in favor of Fust's side, Fust got the printing shops, and half of the Bibles, while Gutenberg was broke and poor.

Gutenberg gets Sacked

Jan 8, 1462

Archbishop Adolph von Nassau and his allies raided Mainz, and the following day, about 800 citezens, including Gutenberg, where driven out of town. Gutenberg sought refuge in Eltville, where he set up another printing shop.

Gutenberg gets Recognized by the Court

Jan 8, 1465

Gutenberg gets recognized for his past achievements by the court, and he was given the title Hofmann (gentleman of the court) by archbishop von Nassau,.

Gutenberg Dies

Jan 8, 1468

Gutenberg died February 3, 1468.