Fine Print (Creative Minds Biography) (Creative Minds Biography

by Joann Johansen Burch

Recounts the story of the German printer credited with the invention of printing with movable type.

Book Details: Format: Paperback Publication Date: 1/1/1991 Pages: 64 Reading Level: Age 8 and Up

Genres: Biography, History, Medieval, Childrens, School, Historical, Nonfiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[JohnnyBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

7 out of 10

Johan Gutenberg is the inventor of the printer/printing press. When he was first working on his invention he had to borrow a lot of money in order to afford the tools he needed to work on it. One guy wanted his money back after a deadline had been broken by Gutenberg. Johan ended up losing the machine to some guy and the guy was originally credited for the invention.



I enjoyed this book. It was a nice little biography and I learned a lot about Mr. Gutenberg. I liked the illustrations as well. This book would be great for children wanting to learn about printing or printers. Also, I normally don't rate memoirs, but I'd consider this book as more of a biography, so that's why I gave it a seven out of ten.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given how little we know about Gutenberg this is a great biography! I appreciate how she doesn't shy away from telling us what we don't know, but the story flows in spite of the sketchy information. A slim, but useful book about the man behind one of the most revolutionary inventions the world has seen.

[Laura The Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was required reading in my child’s co-op and I was pleasantly surprised. The book itself is a fast read of 64 pages with large type.

There was just enough of a balance between Johann always needing more money and more secrecy. It carried the book because you wanted to see what would happen.

I found this bit of information printed on the inside of the front cover. “Kent Alan Aldrich created the original artwork for this book by carving his designs by hand into linoleum blocks. The linoleum cutting process is similar to that used for book illustrations in Johann Gutenberg’s time when designs were carved into blocks of wood.”

Lots of interesting information in a small book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The process of how the movable type printing press came out is fascinating! This book went in to some great detail on the metal work that was necessary to make study metal letter stamps and the ink that would stick enough but not too much.

We love books! Reading about Johann Gutenberg's work helped us appreciate it that much more.

I read it the first time with my older kids a number of years ago and it popped up again because I assigned it to a middle child who hadn't read it before. I'd recommend it for 4th to 7th grade reading levels and interests.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent biography of Gutenberg. With so many unknowns in his life, it is challenging to make a flowing narrative, and the author has succeeded in this case. Six easy chapters make the story accessible for younger students, except for the woodblock illustrations which make the people look strange. Another source would be needed to explain exactly which parts of Gutenberg's process were new and which were in use already.

[Anna Mussmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A straightforward, reasonably engaging biography of Johann Gutenberg.

The text is quite large, and the reading level is lower than a Landmark book, so it could be a useful transition between picture-book biographies and full-on middle-grade reading.

Gutenberg’s life sounds a bit sad. I know my kids would heartily dislike the ending! Yet I suppose it would be good for them to realize that inventing something new doesn’t always lead to personal triumph.

3.5 stars.

[Brittanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Fine Print and learned a lot about Johannes Gutenberg. I read it in preparation for teaching it to my 4th graders, and I think it will be a great fit for them. The language is simple and easy to follow, so I was able to finish the book quickly, but I still came away having learned a lot.

[Nate Guimond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short informative biography of johann Gutenberg.

[Elizabeth (Miss Eliza) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oddly entertaining despite the fact that the majority of it is pure fantasy and speculation. I'm not sure if it's that more information came to light after this book was write (circa 1990) or if the author just didn't care about the facts... I mean, come on, his name is Johannes, not Johann, so getting his name wrong in the books title is not a good omen. Also, the "fact" that Johann loved reading all his families books... where did they get these books? I mean Cambridge Univeristy at this time only own like 126, and no one was likely to let a kid near something so valuable. Also, his home apparently didn't have glass on the windows according to records, but Joann gave his windows some nice leading. I was going to take her to task for using the word pen, like she misuses many words... but apparently the word pen did exist then... even if she muddled the quotation and it didn't have pen actually in it, it is at least not an anacronism.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

How do we know about people who lived long ago? The author walks students through challenges of documenting the lives of those who lived long ago.

Starting with the "Author's Note" which explains her detective work and primary sources (chronicles and legal proceedings), Burch helps elementary learners to understand the time period of the 1400's, how book making was conducted prior to Gutenberg and why his invention was revolutionary.

As she goes, she weaves in the scant biographical information available about Gutenberg. His birth family, the locations of where he lived, that he was sued by a maiden after he broke off their engagement, and that he was sued by several people from whom he had borrowed money. She also explains how his money troubles obscured credit for his invention.

This is a solid resource on Gutenberg, but just as valuable is the author's willingness to highlight all that we don't know. Not stunning, it is an excellent library check out. Recommended.

[Shelise Paulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to preview for my child's Medieval History class next year. It's meant for upper elementary and junior high. I found it a very well done book and an interesting way to learn about how the first printing press was made and the story behind Gutenberg. What an incredible man!

[Josh Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

2008