EOTO #1: The Printing Press

    The printing press is a device that allows for the mass production of printed content. It is considered one of the most impactful inventions in history. The inventor of the printing press is unknown, but its origin can be traced back to China in the fifth century. This is traced through the first known piece of printed text, a Buddhist book titled The Diamond Sutra, which is believed to have been created in 868 A.D under the Tang Dynasty. Not only is this the first piece of printed material, but also the earliest example of block printing. Block printing, also known as “woodblock printing,” is a method through which wooden blocks with carved letters are pressed on paper or fabric to produce printed texts. Block printing was effective but ultimately costly, time-consuming, and difficult for precision making it inconsistent. The wood used was an unreliable material to use as it can sometimes absorb the ink too fully making the method not wholly dependable.

                                                

   

    In the 13th century, around 1450, a new and more effective version of the printing press made its appearance.  This new press was created by German inventor and goldsmith, Johannes Gutenberg. Gutenberg sought to improve a more contemporary method of printing known as moveable type. The method called was originally by an engineer named Bi Sheng in China around 970 A.D.  Instead of the wood utilized in block printing, moveable type instead used metal blocks with letters in replica casting. Gutenberg went even further than Bi Sheng and created his own ink to more effectively work with metal and found an easier way to flatten the paper he printed on. His invention was therefore known as the Gutenberg Press. To further his pursuit of the method he improved, Gutenberg took a loan from Johannes Fust to print texts. The only text to ever come out of Gutenberg’s Press from Gutenberg himself was a bible later known as the Gutenberg Bible, produced in 1452. Though he is credited as the inventor of the press which redefined the age and ages to follow, Gutenberg did not have a happily ever after. A few years after the creation of the Gutenberg Bible, Johannes Fust foreclosed on Gutenberg and his creation as well as all of his material went to Fust and another printer and apprentice of Gutenberg’s, Peter Schoffer. By the mid-1460s, word of a new press began to spread through Europe due to workers of Gutenberg spreading the news. The press was initially sent to Italy around 1467 making it an integral part of the Italian Renaissance. The press was then commercialized and spread through the whole of Europe. Unfortunately, Gutenberg died in 1468 and never got to see the immense effect of his creation.

                                                       

 

     It didn’t take long for the press to be put into use. In the 15th century, texts other than the bible like works of literature were produced as well as pamphlets of propaganda. In the 16th century, a religious movement known as the Protestant Reformation began. Though Martin Luther and the nailing of his Ninety-five Theses onto a church door is cited as the start of the movement, the utilization of the printing press is also a large part of it. Because pamphlets were spread through Europe, people became more aware of the corruption present in the systems they supported. Without the printing press there would not be an increase in literacy rates and an urge to read. In a way, the invention is responsible for spurring on some of the most infamous times in history like The Enlightenment.

 

                                                

    With this invention, people began to question their freedoms. It spurred on what can arguably be seen as a question of leadership and an increase in public opinion. It also gave voices to those who did not have one previously. As time went on, the writings of those of higher and lesser importance were printed, offering a more diverse influx of ideas. This could be seen both politically and socially. Literary journals became popular and led to an age of popularity of literature and reading for pleasure. Ultimately, the effects of printing press can still be seen today and it is credited with enhancing communication and unlocking the modern age.