The printing press is the medium used for the production of printing books. It was created in China and revolutionized society before its arrival in Europe in the 14th century.
The Diamond Sutra
The exact invention of the first printing press is unknown but the oldest printing press originated in China during the first millennium AD. The Diamond Sutra is considered as the oldest printed book from around 868 AD.
It was created using the block printing with the help of hand carved wood blocks. Woodblock printing was prevalent in China during the 8th century.
Johannes Gutenberg
In 1440, Johannes Gutenberg from Germany began experimenting with printing press. He was a goldsmith and inventor and publisher who introduced printing press in Europe.
The most important innovation in the printing press by Gutenberg was the replacement of wood with metal and printing blocks with each letter.
The concept of replica casting was used in the Gutenberg Press design, in which letters were created in the metal brass and later replicas made by the pouring molten lead. He used the metal alloy that could melt and cool quickly.
The use of mechanical movable type, oil based ink for printing books and adjustable molds were his major contributions to printing.
The printing press spread to over two hundred cities in Europe in less than 50 years. From a single printing shop in Mainz, printing had spread in more than 50 countries in Western and Eastern Europe. It brought a social and cultural revolution in its wake.
The hand mould and printing press drastically reduced the cost of printing books and other documents. In 1500, there were more than twenty million copies produced in various printing presses.
During Renaissance, printing press opened new ways of mass communication. There was a sharp increase in literacy which provided opportunities for the middle class. The increased cultural awareness also gave birth to proto nationalism.
In 1436 Johannes Gutenberg decided to make use of the previously available and traditional screw press and combine its prowess with new pieces of equipment that he himself invented.
The invention of the printing press was an important step in achieving the democratization of knowledge. Due to this, knowledge was accessible to the common people. During this period, first copyright laws were passed and book printing became commercialized. The printing press also put the economy on the boost by increasing reliability on trade.
The Gutenberg printing press enabled dissemination of large amounts of information quickly. With the ability to mass produce books on any subject, new ideas and knowledge became accessible for every European.
One of the main projects at the start of the Renaissance was to compile and republish the works of Plato and Aristotle. Thousands of books were published during this period. The printing press also helped Martin Luther to question the authority of the church.
He became the world’s bestselling author. About 5000 copies of his work were sold in just two weeks, making Reformation possible. The printing press also helped in sharing and publishing scientific findings with a wide audience in the 16th and 17th centuries.
It spread literature to the masses for the first time in the most efficient and durable way.
