The Gutenberg Bible is one of the earliest mass-produced books in human history. The Paperblanks Genesis cover design reproduces an illuminated page created by German artist Gisela Maschmann, which the artist has modelled after the beginning of the Book of Genesis in Gutenbergs ecclesiastic masterwork.

In the 15th century Johannes Gutenberg, a German goldsmith, sought to replicate the beauty of hand-illuminated manuscripts through a mass manufacturing method. In the 1450s, he was able to achieve his goal by casting individual letters in large quantities so that they could be assembled and reassembled into printed text, a hugely important innovation known as the printing press.

With the printing press Gutenberg created nova forma scribendi, reproductions of works of great importance that were normally reserved for clergy and royalty. This led to the printing of his famous 42- line Bible. The Gutenberg Bible was a hybrid of mass production and artisanal touches with the text printed in his newly invented movable type and the colourful chapter headings, initials and margins decorated by hand.

While only 49 copies of Gutenbergs two-volume Latin Bible survive today, it continues to inspire artists and writers alike. Our Genesis cover design reproduces a hand-illuminated page by German artist Gisela Maschmann. She has modelled her miniature painting of the beginning of the book of Genesis on a volume of Gutenbergs ecclesiastic masterwork housed in the Berlin State Library.

Thanks to Gutenbergs invention in the 1450s, the face of printing was forever changed as it became possible to reproduce the work of scribes who for generations had to meticulously copy text by hand. From the first printing press in Mainz, Germany, the technology spread with remarkable speed and by 1470 there were 14 printing houses throughout Europe. This dissemination of art and culture to people throughout the continent was critical in moving Europe out of Medievalism and into the Renaissance. It is impossible to overstate the significance of Gutenbergs printing press, as it is the key innovation allowing literacy to extend around the world.

ABOUT PAPERBLANKS

Paperblanks journals are the ultimate keepsake, a time capsule documenting a period in life, to be read and re-read through current and future generations. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, high quality, and long-lasting durability, our journals will preserve your contents for years to come.

In Paperblanks journals the laid paper, detailed embossing and texture on each Paperblanks cover offers a tactile experience a real-life, touchable interlude in an often-untouchable world of television and other digital information.

Paperblanks journals come in a tremendous variety of beautiful cover designs from almost every era, ensuring that there is truly a journal to fit every taste. Choose your own style and create a personalized brainstorming device, a portable stress-reliever, and a unique reflection of existence.

MIDI Size : -130mm x 180mm, 144 Lined Pages.