Johannes Gutenberg
c. 1400–1468 — Germany
Era: Early Modern
Brilliance: 9/10 | Stewardship: 8/10 | Composite Index: 72
He democratized knowledge — and lost everything for it.
"It is a press from which shall flow inexhaustible streams of the most wondrous knowledge."
Biography
Invented movable type c. 1440. Gutenberg Bible c. 1455. Within 50 years, 20 million volumes printed. Democratized knowledge. His press was seized by creditors. Died in poverty.
Key Facts
- Movable type printing — among history's most consequential inventions
- 20 million volumes within 50 years
- Press seized by creditors
- Died in poverty; burial site unknown
- Enabled the Reformation and Scientific Revolution
He gave the world the ability to read. They took his press.
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