Free Essay About Johannes Gutenberg

When he conceptualized the possibility of making a mechanical movable type printing, little did Johannes Gutenberg know that he will soon create one of the most significant inventions in the publishing field. During his growing up years, Gutenberg enjoys reading but was aware of the difficulty that comes from producing manuscripts and block books. The German black smith then decided to set experiments with the goal to discover ways in the mass production of books.
Initially, he worked secretly in a workshop with the thought that it was better that none of his neighbors knew of his experiments. It was in 1430 when he started working with metal typography, and his genius was enough to note that metal type could be reproduced easily compared to that of the wood block type that was already known then. In 1436, Gutenberg introduced the first form of printing that used movable type. In 1440, he was able produce- in volumes- indulgences such as printed slips of papers. Working on experiments took a toll on his finances and has to ask for financial assistance from several financers who lent him the needed amount but were unscrupulous to the point of scraping him of everything that he worked for.
In the mid-15th century Gutenberg embarked on the production of the Bible, and validated the efficiency of the printing press when he sold a two-volume Bible at a cost that is far lower than the cost of a handwritten Bible. He further worked to improve on the art of printing, and was able to invent a new printer’s outfit that was heavily usable during those days. Though, Gutenberg was not able to financially profit from his invention, it paved the way to the success of the printing revolution and the spread of knowledge around the world.