The Gutenberg Press

Block Printing:
• Concept of printing one sheet at a time
• Raised letters carved into block of wood
• Could only use block one time
• Required highly skilled craftsmen, carpenters
• Costly only nobility could afford
Johannes Gutenberg:
• 1400-1468
• German craftsman (gold smith) and
inventor
• Family had some money –access to
manuscripts and learning
• Exiled from hometown because of
revolt against local nobility
• Strasburg, Germany – worked to find
way mass produce books
Movable Type:
• Concept involving individual blocks for each letter
within a frame
• Each letter made out of metal
• Reusable
• Durable
• Greater efficiency at mass producing printed
material
• Lowers the cost of books so more can afford
Gutenberg’s goal realized:
• Mechanically reprint religious manuscripts
with same quality
• Gutenberg Bible or 42 Line Bible

Why Is This Important:

• Ideas and knowledge spreads more
quickly
• Poor could now afford Bibles
• Gutenberg Bible printed in German
• Bible printed in local languages
• People can read Bible for themselves
 Introducing Martin Luther
(not the King)

Luther’s PERSPECTIVE:
• Born into working class type family
• Father self made, mine owner
• Chose religious life over business
• German monk
• Devotion to the Catholic Church
Why Does this matter?
• Church not cutting it but Bible does
• Luther becomes disgruntled with STATUS QUO
• Priest lavish lifestyle
• Church corruption
• Indulgences
• Catholic officials selling forgiveness of sins
Luther the Mad Man:
• He can read and interpret the Bible
• Believes the Bible says salvation through own
faith
• Discovers Indulgences NOT in the Bible
• 95 Theses nailed to church door
What does this have to do with Gutenberg?

Why is this important?

I am glad you asked!

Gutenberg’s printing press allows

95 These to spread through ALL
Europe in THREE Months!

The spread of ideas leads to

change or Reformation. (…to be
continued)