Gutenberg Printing Impact

1121 Words3 Pages

Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. His contributions have affected how our lives are today. Printing methods and techniques have changed drastically since then. From the 1400's to now, the printing methods have became more high tech. Though he invented the printing press all the way back in the 1400’s doesn't mean he hasn't left a huge impact on today's printing.
Gutenberg was born in the German city of Mainz, the youngest son of the upper-class merchant Friele Gensfleisch zur Laden, and his second wife, Else Wyrich, who was the daughter of a shopkeeper. It is assumed that he was baptized in the area close to his birthplace of St. Christoph.] According to some accounts, Friele was a goldsmith for the bishop at Mainz, but most …show more content…

His father worked with the ecclesiastic mint. Gutenberg grew up knowing the trade of goldsmithing." This is supported by historian Heinrich Wallau, who adds, "In the 14th and 15th centuries his ancestors claimed a position as ... retainers of the household of the master of the archiepiscopal mint. In this capacity they doubtless acquired considerable knowledge and technical skill in metal working. They supplied the mint with the metal to be coined, changed the various species of coins, and had a seat at the assizes in forgery …show more content…

He also appears to have been a goldsmith member enrolled in the Strasbourg militia. In 1437, there is evidence that he was instructing a wealthy tradesman on polishing gems, but where he had acquired this knowledge is unknown. In 1436/37 his name also comes up in court in connection with a broken promise of marriage to a woman from Strasbourg, Ennelin. Whether the marriage actually took place is not recorded. Following his father's death in 1419, he is mentioned in the inheritance

Open Document