05 The Gutenberg Bible

Museum Description: The Gutenberg Bible

Room: Sir John Ritblat Gallery

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:24

Johannes Gutenberg had invented his method of printing with moveable type by 1455. Having observed that hundreds of identical coins and bullets were produced by being cast in metal, he thought books could be produced using a similar method. The first book he printed was the Latin Vulgate edition of the Bible in two volumes. 180 were produced. There are three reasons why the Gutenberg Bible is so unique. It was the first book ever to be printed in the West with movable type. It was also the first Bible ever to be printed, which is significant considering the billions of copies that have been printed since. It is also a work of art in its own right, and has been called “Gothic writing at its absolute zenith.” Seeing one of these rare original printed Bibles is truly a privilege as there are only 16 complete copies left. The British Library has two of them, one of which you can see here.