Johannes Gensfleisch zur Laden zum Gutenberg was born in Mainz, Germany, likely between 1395 and 1400. The precise date remains unknown. He hailed from a patrician family, with his father, Friele Gensfleisch zur Laden, being a merchant and a member of the Mainz mint. This privileged background would later provide him with the resources and connections needed to pursue his ambitious printing endeavors. His family's association with the mint likely exposed him to metalworking techniques, skills that would prove crucial in his later inventions.

Historical records suggest that Gutenberg may have studied at the University of Erfurt. A 'Johannes de Alta Villa' (Johannes of Eltville, near Mainz) is recorded as having enrolled there around this time. While there's no definitive proof it's Gutenberg himself, it is a compelling clue. The university education would have exposed him to classical literature and learning, potentially fueling his later desire to make books more accessible.

Political unrest in Mainz led to the exile of Gutenberg's family to Strasbourg. It was here, in Strasbourg, that Gutenberg began to experiment with printing. Evidence suggests he was involved in various business ventures, including gem polishing and the manufacture of mirrors. These activities provided him with the opportunity to hone his metalworking skills and experiment with techniques that would later be adapted for printing.

In Strasbourg, Gutenberg formed a partnership with Andreas Dritzehn, Andreas Heilmann, and later, Imanuel, to develop a secret process of printing. Evidence from lawsuits and accounts from this period confirm their work involved a press, metal type and other processes used in printing. Unfortunately records do not explicitly state that printing books was part of the activity, only “arts and adventure”. This was the foundational stage for his movable type printing press, setting the stage for the printing revolution.

Gutenberg returned to Mainz and borrowed a substantial sum from his relative Arnold Gelthus to further his printing experiments. This marked a significant step in transforming his ideas into reality, allowing him to acquire the necessary equipment and materials to refine his printing process.

To secure the funding required for large-scale printing, Gutenberg entered into a partnership with Johann Fust, a wealthy Mainz merchant. Fust provided a significant loan, enabling Gutenberg to develop his printing workshop further and to begin printing on a larger scale.

Gutenberg's workshop produced the Gutenberg Bible, also known as the 42-line Bible (Biblia Sacra), around this time. This monumental achievement, considered one of the most beautiful books ever printed, demonstrated the power and potential of movable type printing. It was a complex undertaking, requiring years of effort and significant financial investment. The completed bibles were sold to wealthy churches and individuals, but its production established the standard for printed books for years to come.

The partnership between Gutenberg and Fust dissolved acrimoniously. Fust sued Gutenberg for repayment of the loan, and Gutenberg lost the lawsuit. Consequently, Fust gained control of Gutenberg's printing workshop and a significant portion of the printed Bibles. This was a devastating blow to Gutenberg, depriving him of the fruits of his labor and control over his invention.

Johann Fust, with Peter Schoeffer, his new partner and Gutenberg's former apprentice, published the Mainz Psalter. This was the first book to feature a printer's colophon, explicitly identifying Fust and Schoeffer as the printers, further marginalizing Gutenberg's role in the printing revolution, at least in the public eye.

Despite losing his workshop, Gutenberg received recognition for his contributions. Archbishop Adolph von Nassau granted him the title of Hofmann (gentleman of the court), providing him with a stipend and exemption from certain taxes. This provided him with financial security in his later years and acknowledged his importance as an inventor.

Johannes Gutenberg died in Mainz on February 3, 1468. He was buried in the Franciscan church in Mainz, which was later destroyed. While he may not have reaped the full financial rewards of his invention during his lifetime, his legacy as the father of modern printing is undeniable. He revolutionized communication and learning, laying the foundation for the spread of knowledge and the advancement of society.