In the year 1439 the city in which Gutenberg lived
was planning to exhibit its large collection from
Emperor Charlemagne (a famous ruler who had
united much of
Western Europe
around 800 AD).
The exhibit was expected to bring many visitors to the
town, so Gutenberg took investments and created
polished metal mirrors which were to be sold to the
visitors (it was a common belief at that time that
mirrors were able to capture holy light from religious
relics). The mirrors which Gutenberg produced
probably would have sold well, but due to severe
flooding the event was delayed by one year. The
impatient investors demanded that Gutenberg return
their investments, but he had already spent the money
on producing the unsaleable mirrors. He was trapped
in a difficult situation. Gutenberg decided to share his
greatest secret with them