2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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)