History of Text Technologies

Johannes Gutenberg (c. 1400 - 1468) was a German inventor who was credited with introducing the movable-type printing press to Europe. HIs work is important because it led to significant changes in the dissemination of information. Prior to the introduction of movable type, books were written by hand - a costly, and more time-intensive endeavor which limited the audience for written works. Gutenberg's press allowed books to be widely-accessible and ushered in an "information revolution." His printed Bible, called the Gutenberg Bible, was the first significant work to be printed in Europe using movable type. FSU's collection includes a single page of the Gutenberg Bible as well as several facsimile copies which can be seen below.