The Renaissance and Architecture

Johannes Gutenberg was a German craftsman who invented the printing press, a device that mass printed writings/books faster and cheaper than other forms of printing. Elements of his invention are thought to have included a metal alloy that could melt readily and cool quickly to form durable reusable type, an oil-based ink that could be made sufficiently thick to adhere well to metal type and transfer to vellum or paper, and a new press; likely adapted from those used in producing wine, oil, or paper, for applying firm even pressure to printing surfaces. None of these features existed in the European technique used up to that time for stamping letters on various surfaces or in woodblock printing. Gutenberg’s printing press was considered a history-changing invention, making books widely accessible and ushering in an “information revolution.”

Johannes Gutenberg and the Printing Press

Johannes Gutenberg

The immediate effect of the printing press was the increased output and reduced costs of books. The printing press made information available to a larger segment of the population who were, of course, eager for information of any variety. In particular, citizens of European countries gained access to a wider range of viewpoints about religious and non-religious matters. Libraries could also store greater quantities of information at a much lower cost. Printing also facilitated the dissemination and preservation of knowledge in standardized form -- this was most important in the advance of science, technology and scholarship. The printing press certainly initiated an "information revolution" on par with the Internet today. Printing could and did spread new ideas quickly and with greater impact.

How the Printing Press Changed Society