Print editions of the Bible, like any other books, come from a long history of printed materials. The journey of printing began with Johannes Gutenberg’s revolutionary invention of the movable type printing press in 1456. Before this innovation, books were painstakingly hand-copied, making them rare and expensive. Gutenberg’s press made it possible to mass-produce books quickly and efficiently, transforming the accessibility of written works.
The first major work to be printed was the Gutenberg Bible, marking a new era in the distribution of religious texts and literature. This leap in technology enabled the spread of knowledge and ideas far beyond the limitations of handwritten manuscripts. Today, print editions of the Bible and other books continue to be produced, reflecting the enduring legacy of Gutenberg’s groundbreaking invention.