Wednesday, April 09, 2008


The Machine that Made Us: Gutenberg's Brilliant Invention
Tuesday 6 May 18.30 - 20.00

In the Conference Centre, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB

Johann Gutenberg's printing press, which brought about the dawn of mass communication is of barely equalled significance in the development of human culture. His achievement reached its pinnacle with the printing of the Gutenberg Bible in 1455.

A new documentary 'The Machine That Made Us', presented by Stephen Fry,(pictured above), is screened on BBC4 on 14 April 2008, 9 pm, and excerpts will feature in tonight's event.

For the programme, and in order to unravel mysteries of Gutenberg's technique, a team of experts built a unique copy of his press: watch it action at the event, alongside discussion of the remarkable story behind its invention.

Speakers include Alan May (printing expert and press builder), Martin Andrews (University of Reading) and Patrick McGrady (Wavelength Films) Price £6 (concessions £4), bookable at http://boxoffice.bl.uk, by phone on 01937 546546 or in person at the British Library Information Desk.
Source-Ibookcollector.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I would love to go to this event - unfortunately I'm on the wrong side of the world! Replicating the press reminds me of the efforts undergone for the Da Vinci machines exhibition - currently here in Dunedin. If you have an opportunity to see it people, make sure you do - its worth it. Meanwhile, we'll have to hope we get a chance to see the documentary here.