Gutenberg in the British Library

The British Library has two complete copies of the Gutenberg Bible, one printed on paper and one on vellum (calf's skin). We also have an important fragment of one leaf.

Information on the paper copy (the King's copy).

Information on vellum copy (Grenville's copy).

Information on the fragment.

The British Library's website makes it possible to compare the two complete copies. Here we give some examples of what that may tell us.

The digitisation of the bibles was undertaken by HUMI institute of Keio University. Here you can see something of the process.

In cooperation with University College London we have analysed some of the colours used for decorating the Bible. Click here is for a short report.

A list of other copies of the Gutenberg Bible in the UK are included on this website.