The Justification of Johann Gutenberg![]() |
About this book‘I have no fear of dying. What I fear is that Around 1400, in the city of Mainz, a man was born whose heretical invention - moveable metal type - was to alter the course of civilisation. Sixty-odd years later he died, robbed of his business, his printing presses and, so he thought, his immortality. Reading between the lines of history, this novel gives us Gutenberg’s testament – his confession and apologia, as dictated to the kind of scribe whom his invention made redundant. Through the eyes of the ageing narrator, the Middle Ages are seen in a strange new light: the Plague, craft guilds, religious wars, chivalric love, sexual politics, the rise of capitalism – all are here, without seeming ‘historical’ or remote. The novel – Blake’s first - captures moment of cultural transition as dramatic as the communications revolution of today.
External Links: interviews, articles, multimedia: Reviews‘Morrison…tells a fascinating story’ ‘A beautifully written novel… highly recommended’ ‘Funny, charming and moving’ ‘Morrison has invented the inventor’s life with great confidence and lightness of touch’ ‘The novel has everything- fine writing, a compelling central character and a brilliant, fast-moving narrative’ ‘A multi-faceted and carefully woven portrait of a complex character’ ‘A compelling read and a fascinating portrait of 15th century Europe’ InfoA historical novel about a man who gambles everything – love, money, honour, friendship – in pursuit of the greatest invention of the last millennium.
Back to top |
© blakemorrison.com 2006