Printing Press

Definition

The printing press was a mechanical device invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century that revolutionized the production of books. It used movable type to allow for faster and more efficient printing, leading to an increase in the availability and dissemination of written information.

Related terms

Movable Type: A system developed for the printing press where individual letters or characters could be rearranged and reused for different pages. This allowed printers to easily assemble different texts without having to carve new blocks or plates.

Gutenberg Bible: The first major book printed using movable type on the printing press, completed around 1455 by Johannes Gutenberg. It marked a significant milestone in the history of printing.

Mass Production: A method of producing goods in large quantities using machinery and standardized processes. The invention of the printing press paved the way for mass production of books, making them more affordable and accessible to a wider audience.