Introduction of Printing Press to France by Johann Heynlin

Background. Johann Heynlin, born in Stein near Pforzheim, was a German-born scholar and theologian. He studied in Leipzig and later returned to Paris, where he obtained a doctorate in theology in 1466. In 1469, he was elected rector of the university and became a professor at the Sorbonne.

Establishment of the Press. Heynlin's most significant achievement was introducing the first printing press to France. He brought Swiss workmen, including Ulrich Gering, Michael Friburger, and Martin Crantz, to install the press in the Sorbonne buildings at the end of 1469 or beginning of 1470. Heynlin provided financial support for their operations.

First Publication. The first publication from this press was the Epistolae Gasparini Pergamensis, a collection of letters by the grammarian Gasparinus de Bergamo. Printed in 1470, this work is recognized as the first book printed in France. It was intended to serve as a model for elegant Latin writing for students.