The people’s choice which affected me in different ways (November 13, 1462):
I was split between two people who were arguing over who was going to be the archbishop of Mainz. One of the people was chosen to run by the pope, and was strongly encouraged by the French. Although the other person was strongly encouraged by the people of Mainz, he was not able to defeat the other person. It was won by the support of the French, but mostly because of the support of the pope. This victory has changed my life in a negative and positive way. I was indifferent on the decision, and commonly changed who I wanted to win because of their actions or something they said. For those who did not support the winner of it, the punishment was harsh. All of their belongings were confiscated and they were forced into exile. Some of my family members were taken away, and I will never see them again. Another negative outcome of this was the sharp decline in the economics of Mainz. Even though some people showed great disrespect towards the person that one supported, they were not as cruel as the actions of Prince Vlad Dracula. On the contrary, this helped my invention of the printing press spread all over Europe.
My printing revolution (April 22, 1450):
Eleven years ago, I encountered a financial “misadventure” which sparked my idea of the printing press. I realized that it was time to share the idea of the printing press with the world. I revealed my idea in Strasburg, and people began to think that this idea could significantly change how we live. I made my last visit to Strasburg in 1444, and I do not plan on ever going back there. Although, my time in Strasburg wasn’t wasted because of the information I learned about the printing press. Many of the tests that I ran in Strasburg showed signs of great things to come for this new invention, but I had to find a way to get more money. My brother generously gave me money to begin this project, and I was able to open up my first printing press. Today, I am very excited to see the first document be printed on my press. They are printing a German poem. Also, on another thought, the construction of the Bible is coming along well, and I am eager to begin to print it.
The Gutenberg Bible (December 27, 1455):
I have just finished printing the Gutenberg Bible and I am impressed with the job I have done on it. Although this bible is impressive, the thing I am more proud of is my invention of the movable printing press. I think that this invention will significantly change the world. I spent a long time printing these bibles, and my goal is that showing the effectiveness of this movable printing press will begin a revolution of printing religious texts and also other forms of texts. I even think that Blind Harry would be impressed with my text.
My Trouble with Fust (October 18, 1455):
I can’t believe that my own business partner would turn on me in such a cruel way. We worked on the Bible together, and it appeared that he would never disobey the friendship that we had together, but I was wrong. Fust was suing me for not repaying all of the money that I owe back to him. Fust, the person who I will never trust again, beat me in the law suit, and, because of this, Fust got control of the printing press and also control of over half of the bibles printed. I became bankrupt, but then I was able to open a small printing press. I am now doing great, but Fust took a good portion of my life away. Now I am now working my way back up to the top.
Picture Bibliography:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gutenberg.jpg
http://smu.edu/bridwell/specialcollections/schoeffer/06117.jpg
