The Printing Press

     Imagine, it is the 1400's, any book or manuscript was handwritten, and most of the population is unable to read or obtain a piece of literature. This was all a reality until a piece of machinery created by Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized the way books and literature were created and distributed. In this era, books were extremely expensive and inaccessible, and as a the gaining literacy levels in Europe increased- the need for a cheaper and quicker process of producing literature work was due.

Gutenberg, a poor metalsmith, was looking for ways to make an income using his work. He needed a fast and efficient technique to mass produce works while being able to cut costs of books. Taking inspiration from eastern wood-blocking technique, Gutenberg decided to twist the craft, creating metal individual letters working together under a larger piece of equipment to print sentences all together at once- repeatedly, giving a substantial alternative to book making and the manufacture of books. After some time, collaboration, and a loan, Gutenberg was able to produce two-hundred copies of the Gutenberg Bible, printed in Latin. The use of the printing press turned into an assembly-line type of work while printing, making it effective and quicker than the hand scribes were able to create books, while producing them for the masses. 

    The invention of the printing press revolutionized Europe. It facilitated the spreading and preservation of knowledge in the standardized form, crucial to the advancement of science, technologies, religion, education, and much more throughout nations.

This eliminated risks of text altercation within hand writing texts, creating stability among all subject matters. The immediate change coming from the printing press was in fact cutting the costs of books, being able to fill library's shelves at a lower cost rate, and the quickening gain of knowledge through Europe. This sent the mass movement of spreading information and ideas between others into play. During this era, the printing press is credited for initiating the "information revolution"  and its mass spread of ideas and self exploration between individuals. This was extremely crucial to the development into the Renaissance Era; and Martin Luther's spreading of religious information. With the newly released printing press, those who were unable to read, would gather to listen to readers list off news, stories, and information from the papers- building a stronger sense of community. 

   

Given the time period that the printing press was invented in, there were various negatives seen by those of higher power, or those unwilling to confide to change. Misinformation spread was a big concern, along with the individual's power to challenge the norm or authoritative power at the time. Although challenging was dangerous at the time, individuals remained in control of their words and continued to print- further revolutionizing Europe and other nations. 

    I learned a lot from researching the printing press. We are incredibly lucky in today's society to have words and information at our fingertips; our society often forgets about how it started and what our technology has built from. The printing press was able to educate thousands of individuals while making the process more affordable and accessible to those who were interested. The printing press was able to aid in many aspects and subjects across the globe, whether it be politics, religion, science, or community news sources.