Wednesday’s Google Doodle honors Johannes Gutenberg, who introduced movable metal-type printing to Europe, thus beginning that continent’s era of mass communication.
And one of only three perfect vellum copies of his Bible is here in Washington.
German craftsman & inventor Johannes Gutenberg forever left his imprint on the world 📚
Learn how his invention of the modern printing press made books more accessible than ever → https://t.co/zxPQg8kRB3 #GoogleDoodle pic.twitter.com/ufhoYrM5xz
— Google Doodles (@GoogleDoodles) April 14, 2021
The Library of Congress purchased its copy of the Gutenberg Bible, which was owned for five centuries by Benedictine monks, thanks to an act of Congress in 1930. In non-pandemic times, the Bible is usually on display in the Great Hall of the LOC’s Jefferson Building. (The Library of Congress is currently closed due to Covid concerns.) In 2018 the Library installed a new display case for the Bible that keeps the document at a safe temperature and humidity.
Andrew Beaujon joined Washingtonian in late 2014. He was previously with the Poynter Institute, TBD.com, and Washington City Paper. He lives in Del Ray.
