| Primary Source Education Modules > Gutenberg Bible > The Invention |
| The Invention - Books Before and After - Johann Gutenberg - Facts about the Book - Activities - Glossary - Teacher Resources |
The Invention
What is known about the Gutenberg Bible, and what evidence is available supporting that knowledge?
Only a few documents exist that shed light on Gutenberg and the early history of printing. No records are available to explain how the book was created, the exact date of its completion, and how it was sold and used. Scholars closely examine material evidence found in surviving Bibles to unravel these mysteries. By investigating details of the paper, type, and earliest handwritten additions, parts of the story of the book and the printing process can be revealed, even though much remains unknown.
One thing is certain—the first book printed with movable type established a standard of technological excellence for all later generations.
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Adapting Technology |
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A Familiar Format |
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Papermaking |
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Illuminations & Rubrications |
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Gutenberg's Print Shop |
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Marginalia |
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Buying the Book |
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Oops! |
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