Justification of Johann Gutenberg

<p>Blake Morrison has woven a stunning novel around the few facts known about the life and work of Johann Gensfleisch (aka Gutenberg) master printer charmer con man and visionary -- the man who invented artificial writing and printed the <em>Gutenberg Bible</em> putting thousands of monks out of work.</p><p>In this dazzling debut novel Morrison gives Gutenberg's final testament: a justification and apologia he dictated ironically to one of the young scribes made obsolete by his invention of movable metal type. Through the eyes of the aging narrator we see the Middle Ages in a strange new light and witness a moment of cultural transition as dramatic as the communications revolution of today.</p>