Genus Gutenbergia

For Johann (Johannes) Gutenberg (Johann Gensfleisch zur Laden zum Gutenberg) (1400–1468), German goldsmith, printer, publisher and craftsman. He was the first European to develop a method of printing using movable type (which was actually invented in China), together with movable molds and alloys, a special press and oil-based inks. It allowed, for the first time in history, the mass production of printed books and was far better than woodblock printing or handwritten manuscripts. Although his invention was created in 1440, with refinements and increased mechanisation, it remained the principal means of printing until the late 20th century. Gutenberg’s best-known book was his 42-line Bible, often called the Gutenberg Bible (c 1455).