Gutenberg’s Apprentice

An enthralling literary debut that evokes one of the most momentous events in history,the birth of printing in medieval GermanyΓÇöa story of inventionintrigueand betrayalrich in atmosphere and historical detailtold through the lives of the three men who made it possible. Youthfulambitious Peter Schoeffer is on the verge of professional success as a scribe in Paris when his foster fatherwealthy merchant and bookseller Johann Fustsummons him home to corruptfeud-plagued Mainz to meet ΓÇ£a most amazing man.ΓÇ¥ Johann Gutenberga driven and caustic inventorhas devised a revolutionaryΓÇöand to someblasphemousΓÇömethod of bookmaking: a machine he calls a printing press. Fust is financing GutenbergΓÇÖs workshop and he orders Peterhis adopted sonto become GutenbergΓÇÖs apprentice. Resentful at having to abandon a prestigious career as a scribePeter begins his education in the ΓÇ£darkest art.ΓÇ¥ As his skill growssotoodoes his admiration for Gutenberg and his dedication to their daring venture: copies of the Holy Bible. But mechanical difficulties and the crushing power of the Catholic Church threaten their work. As outside forces align against themPeter finds himself torn between two father figures: the generous Fustwho saved him from poverty after his mother died; and the brilliantmercurial Gutenbergwho inspires Peter to achieve his own mastery. Caught between the genius and the merchantthe old ways and the newPeter and the men he admires must work together to prevail against overwhelming obstaclesΓÇöa battle that will change history . . . and irrevocably transform them.