Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Gutenberg, Johannes

GUTENBERG, JOHANNES, or HENNE (gö′ten-berG) , a German printer; born in Mainz, about 1400. In 1434 he was living in Strassburg, and seems to have been well known as a man of considerable mechanical skill, who taught stone cutting, mirror polishing, and similar arts. When and where he made his first attempts in the art of printing cannot with certainty be ascertained. Some time between 1444 and 1448 he returned to Mainz, where, in 1449 or 1450, he entered into partnership with Johannes Fust or Faust, a wealthy goldsmith, who furnished the money required to set up a printing press. This partnership was, however, dissolved after the lapse of a few years, Fust bringing an action at law against Gutenberg to recover the sums he had advanced. In consequence of the legal verdict, Fust retained the printing concern, and carried it on in conjunction with Peter Schöffer of Gernsheim. Gutenberg, with the assistance of a Dr. Homery, afterward set up another printing press. He is considered the inventor of movable type. He died in Mainz, Feb. 24, 1468.