The Real Facts

Johannes Gutenberg actually did not invent the printing press! Although he definitely implemented his own features and improvements, the printing press was actually invented by the Chinese as early as first millenium A.D.³ (estimated). In fact, the first piece of literature found to have been done using the printing press was discovered to be a book from the Buddha, titled The Diamond Sutra, and it dates back to around 868 A.D.

Other books include a printed calendar from 877 A.D., mathematic charts, vocabulary guides and more.

Gutenberg's Trials

Source: Britannica

In 1438, the heirs of Andreas Dritzehn (a printing press partner of Gutenberg's, since 1436) attempted to gain partnership of Johannes Gutenberg in the printing press by sueing the inventor. Although they did lose the court case, a new project Gutenberg was working on was revealed.

Witnesses said that Conrad Saspach, a carpenter, had given Andreas Dritzehn money for the wooden printing press. Hans Dünne sold Gutenberg materials for the printing press as early as 1436.

Gutenberg had wanted to keep all this a secret.

A man by the name of Johann Fust also had involvement in the printing press, but not until 1450. He was a wealthy man, and a financer. He gave Gutenberg 800 guilders. After 2 years, Fust gave him another 800 guilders. However, the arrangement terminated in a court case which was won by Fust after the results were not coming in.

The two men were not compatible as Fust wanted fast investments, while Gutenberg wanted to make sure his product was working perfectly according to his standards.

Gutenberg was ordered to pay Fust two loans and compound interest. However, Fust also gained control of the type for the Bible, as well as for another one of Gutenberg's works called the Psalter. He gained control of more of Gutenberg's printing equipment, and proffited off of it.

In January 1465, the Mainz archbishop gave Gutenberg a pension.

Click here to see sources.