Sold by Mighty Ape
‘The best book about the origin of books you could read. It is clear, engaging, fast-paced and authoritative’ Stephen Fry
In 1450, all Europe’s books were handcopied and amounted to only a few thousand. By 1500 they were printed, and numbered in their millions. The invention of one man – Johann Gutenberg – had caused a revolution. Printing by movable type was a discovery waiting to happen.
Born in 1400 in Mainz, Germany, Gutenberg struggled against a background of plague and religious upheaval to bring his remarkable invention to light. His story is full of paradox- his ambition was to reunite all Christendom, but his invention shattered it; he aimed to make a fortune, but was cruelly denied the fruits of his life’s work. Yet history remembers him as a visionary; his discovery marks the beginning of the modern world.
Author Biography
John Man is the author of Genghis Khan, Attila the Hun, Kublai Khan, The Terracotta Army, The Great Wall and Alpha Beta.
We are committed to protecting your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act and working with our suppliers to assist with warranty claims. Products sold by Mighty Ape will be covered by a Manufacturer's Warranty for at least a one-year period from the date of purchase.
Your warranty will cover any manufacturing defects which, if existing, will present themselves within this warranty period.
Your warranty will not cover normal wear and tear, faults caused by misuse, and accidents which cause damage or theft caused after delivery. Using the product in a way it is not designed for will void your warranty.
Please refer to our Help Centre for more information.
Save with Primate
Earn $0.39 Points Credit*
Exclusive Deals
Mighty Ape Travel discount
^FREE 14 day trial. Primate will be charged $89 / 365 days after free trial, cancel anytime. Delivery benefits available in selected postcodes only. †*T&Cs apply, click for details.