Research made possible by digital versions of the Library of Congress\’ copy of the Gutenberg Bible has raised questions about the true origins of movable type:
When people think about the printing revolution, one name comes to mind: Johannes Gutenberg. But what if Gutenberg didn\’t actually invent the revolutionary technique of mass-producing words as we know it today? Scholars will soon get a chance to examine in exquisite detail what is considered the first book printed with moveable type. A project is currently underway at the Library of Congress to digitize its copy of the Gutenberg Bible . . .
Digitization has already allowed scholars to question Gutenberg\’s work. Last year, a pair of scholars used digital imaging and computer analysis to come up with their own conclusions about Gutenberg\’s method. Princeton librarian Paul Needham and scholar Blaise Agüera y Arcas discovered discrepancies between individual letters in Gutenberg\’s work, casting doubts on his techniques . . .
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