Johannes Gutenberg (l. c. 1398-1468) was the inventor of the printing press (c. 1450) who seems to have developed the device from wine and oil presses of the time. Gutenberg’s printing press not only revolutionized book making but literally changed the world in that ideas could now be shared over long distances with a wider audience than ever before.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 1398 - 1468Life of Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press.
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1418Johannes Gutenberg is enrolled at University of Erfurt.
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1439Johannes Gutenberg's business venture of mirrors sold to pilgrims fails.
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1440To appease investors in his mirror business, Gutenberg unveils his printing press.
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1450Gutenberg's printing press is operating in Mainz.
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23 Feb 1455According to tradition, Johannes Gutenberg prints his first Bible on this date using his new invention of the printing press, making the Bible the first major work produced using movable type. It is said that between 160-185 copies were printed.
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1456Gutenberg prints the Bible.
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1456Gutenberg's main investor, Fust, calls in the debt he owes, sues him, and takes over the printing press.
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1465Gutenberg is recognized as inventor of the printing press and given an annual stipend.
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1468Gutenberg dies in obscurity and relative poverty.
