Entrepreneurial Success with a Printing Press

Here is a story about the first German Bible:
Martin Luther's translation in 1522 was not the very first German bible, but it was the first that was translated from Greek and Hebrew original texts rather than from the Latin Vulgate, and it was translated into the common street language of Luther's time. So any German who could read in 1522, could study the word of God in their own language. This was a tremendous event, for it not only codified a national language, it personalized the relationship of the Word for the people.

Luther's Bible

 The first edition of the New Testament (3000 copies)published in September, sold out almost immediately. The December Testament sold out as well. By Luther's death 100,000 complete copies are sold...in a way unifying the country in that everyone was now reading and discussing the same text.

 Lucas Cranach's 21 wood cut illustrations of the Apocalypse were patented to be the only ones used in the first and subsequent editions. The art and translations were not without controversy. Accused of being a heretic, Luther, who was in hiding, hoped to gain the support of the people. He authorized Cranach to publish a pamphlet of full page illustrations showing the contrast between Christ and the Pope as a contrast between good and evil. The illustrations are wildly clear to anyone regardless of their ability to read. The pope is demonized. The Catholic church immediately retaliated with pamphlets attacking Luther as a 7 headed devil. Each side starts fervently publishing opinions on the matter.

The bible and subsequent printed pamphlets were a phenomenal success for Cranach's office. Between 1500 and 1530 more than 10,000 pamphlets with estimated 1000 copies per edition are printed in Germany... that's almost 20 pamphlets per literate German. And Cranach's press is responsible for creating 15% of all German books in the country!

Cranach's Wittenberg workshop and press

Check out a copy of "Luther's Bible" on Amazon--- collectible for around $725, or used $203.