JOHANN GUTENBERG (1397?-1468)

Gutenberg is most well-known for his invention of the moveable type printing press. That machine was to have far-ranging effects throughout the world, in Europe especially. It provided for quick and wide dissemination of ideas and resulted in much inter-national influence.

Throughout his life, Gutenberg was involved in litigation. His training as a goldsmith and metal-worker provided him with skills to establish a business which was to prove the first of several disagreements that were settled in the courts. These lawsuits inevitably involved monies owed or disputes over who had true ownership of a business interest.

It was in the 1430's that the first of several businesses was begun, this in Strasbourg in a partnership with three others. Their contract had decreed that the heirs of any of the partners would be compensated financially but would have no part of the company.The family of a recently died partner was the first to sue Gutenberg. Gutenberg won the case but during the trial, his secret work on a new invention was made public.

The need for money was constant, essentially causing the second lawsuit. A heavy investor in Gutenberg's next printing office in the town of Mainz became anxious for a quick return on his money, pressing Guttenberg for more rapid results from his invention. Gutenberg naturally wanted a more "perfect" machine. Losing this lawsuit in 1455 meant losing his business. Another printing shop was quickly established.

Several years after this, Gutenberg was forced to leave Mainz when one of two rival claimants for the Archbishopric feuded and sacked the city. Three years later, the Archbishop allowed Gutenberg to return and provided him with a lifetime pension in order to make amends.

Little is known of Gutenberg's personal life, except that here, too, he was unable to escape problems with the law. He broke of his engagement to a young woman when due to class warfare, his family lost most of its property. Gutenberg was afraid of being unable to provide for his fiance. However, the father of the betrothed sue him to force the marriage, which was to prove long-lasting.

There is no documentation as to whether the Bible were printed before or after he lost his business to the lawyer. There are, however, indications that it was printed before the end of 1456. Forty-seven copies of the Gutenberg Bible still exist today, thirteen of which reside in the United States.