English1

Born in Mainz, Germany; early life is mostly a mystery.
Believed to have studied at the University of Erfurt in 1418.
Professionally involved in goldsmithing, following his father's footsteps.
Faced financial troubles after borrowing money in 1439.
- Invested in polished metal mirrors to sell at a local exhibition that was later delayed due to flooding.
- Investors demanded their money back; Gutenberg used the funds to create unsold mirrors.

Secret shared with investors had a profound impact on history.
Created the mechanical printing press with movable type, changing literature and learning.
Enabled mass production of texts, leading to broader access to information.

Prior to Gutenberg, literature was handwritten and rare.
The effort involved in producing a book made them valuable and inaccessible for the common people.
Gutenberg's printing press facilitated mass production of literature, making books widely available.
The first major work produced was a 42-line Bible.
- Estimated 165 to 185 printed copies sold out quickly, mostly to churches and universities.
- Prices were about 30 florins per copy, cheaper than handwritten books.
- Only 21 complete Gutenberg Bibles exist today; one sold for 4.9 million dollars in 1987.

Despite his significant invention, Gutenberg faced debt and legal troubles from investors.
He was sued and lost his printing shop, declaring bankruptcy.
Although he was unsuccessful in business, his technologies transformed the world, allowing rapid dissemination of information.