The most revolutionary medieval artifact I’ve seen today. The Gutenberg Bible, the first book printed in a movable-type printing press, which, in contrast to hand-written books, enabled a much faster rate of printing and led to an information revolution and the unprecedented mass-spread of literature throughout Europe.
Not more than 270 copies were printed circa 1460 in Mainz (now Germany), using Gothic typeface in 42 lines of Latin language justified text, with an ink that is actually varnish, also invented by Johannes Gutenberg himself for his press. Rubrication and illumination to decorate the text were handcrafted after printing and increases the price of a copy. Only 49 copies survived.
These photos are from the Harvard Widener Library copy, which I visited today.
