Printing of the Gutenberg Bible and its distribution (c. 1454–1500)

1. Gutenberg and Fust launch Mainz Bible project

   Jan 1, 1450Labels: Johannes Gutenberg, Johann Fust, Mainz

   • Britannica
   • Britannica
   • LOC Guide

2. 42-line Bible printing begins in Mainz

   Jan 1, 1454Labels: 42-line Bible, Mainz, Gutenberg workshop

   • UNESCO
   • LOC Guide
   • Cambridge Lib

3. Gutenberg Bible completed as a saleable product

   Jan 1, 1455Labels: Gutenberg Bible, Mainz, Latin Vulgate

   • Britannica
   • Cambridge Lib
   • LOC Guide

4. Printed Bible sheets marketed at Frankfurt fair

   Mar 1, 1455Labels: Frankfurt Fair, Pius II, Printed sheets

   • Wiki Bible
   • Britannica

5. Edition size established: paper and vellum copies

   Jun 1, 1455Labels: Edition size, Vellum copies, Paper copies

   • LOC Guide
   • Cambridge Lib
   • UNESCO

6. Fust–Gutenberg dispute recorded by Helmasperger

   Nov 6, 1455Labels: Fust Gutenberg, Ulrich Helmasperger, Notarial record

   • UNESCO
   • Helmasperger

7. Hand rubrication and illumination completed for buyers

   Jan 1, 1456Labels: Rubrication, Illumination, Book finishing

   • Cambridge Lib
   • LOC Guide

8. Mainz Psalter shows rapid technical progress

   Aug 14, 1457Labels: Mainz Psalter, Johann Fust, Peter Sch

   • Princeton PUL
   • Mainz Psalter

9. Gutenberg Bible becomes a model for Latin scripture

   Jan 1, 1460Labels: Paris Bible, Latin scripture, Gutenberg Bible

   • LOC Guide
   • Britannica

10. Gutenberg Bibles spread through European institutions

    Jan 1, 1470Labels: Churches, Monasteries, Institutional buyers

    • Bridwell
    • Britannica

11. Printing boom transforms religious book culture

    Jan 1, 1500Labels: Printing boom, Religious books, 1500s market

    • Britannica
    • LOC Incun

12. 1500 marks the close of the incunabula era

    Dec 31, 1500Labels: Incunabula, 1500 cutoff, Early printing

    • Britannica
    • LOC Incun
    • Britannica