Gutenberg Bible Printed
Johannes Gutenberg printed the first major book using movable type, revolutionizing the spread of knowledge.
Around 1452–1455, Johannes Gutenberg of Mainz, Germany, produced the Gutenberg Bible (also known as the 42-line Bible), the first major book printed using movable metal type in Europe. This technological breakthrough made books far cheaper and faster to produce than hand-copying. The printing press catalyzed the spread of literacy, fueled the Renaissance and Reformation, and is widely regarded as one of the most important inventions in human history. Approximately 180 copies were printed, of which 49 are known to survive.
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