Renaissance: Influence The Printing Press

The Printing Press One of the most impactful inventions Johann Gutenberg (1399-1468) of Mainz, Germany, invented it in 1454 by borrowing knowledge from the Chinese about reproducible script and paper, as well as paper mill operations in the Islamic Civilization.

The Printing Press The first European printed book was the Gutenburg Bible. This was the beginning of multiple copies of one book/text. Books were similar to our internet today. Because many identical books could now be made, those books travelled all over Europe, spreading ideas. Only, a lot slower than the internet 

The Printing Press The use of multiple copies of one book was a factor in the spread of ideas and knowledge during the Renaissance. Instead of one book, slowly making its way from person to person along the Silk Road, now multiple people were accessing the same information at the same time.

The Printing Press As books became readily available, people began to learn how to read and write. All published books were in Latin up until this time. Now that people were learning to read and write, they wanted books written in their native languages. People now also requested books on a greater variety of topics

The Printing Press By 1500 (50 years later), more than 200 printing presses were in Europe. Companies such as Froben, Estienne, and Caxton set high standards for printing, those standards are still used today.

The Printing Press There was a lot of controvercy over the first printed books Issues in accuracy; hand copied books were full of errors and ommisions. Many did not like the change of the text Many simply did not like the look of reproduced text. They prefered the hand- written style Priests did not want people to have copies of the Bible at home, because they felt it was their job to translate the Bible to the people.

The Printing Press –Who Appreciated It? Authors: Work was being read by more people Used books to spread propaganda Altered style and language to accommodate the more “common” reader Developed new genres of writing Scribes: Did not appreciate it, losing jobs Thought the value of books was now diminished

The Printing Press- Who Appreciated It? The Wealthy: Books meant wealth. The common people should not look like they have wealth Non-nobility should not have books Church Officials: Thought people would no longer need preists People will misinterpret the word of God New ideas and knowledge was like poison…people would get ideas not promoted by the Church and leave faith all together.

The Printing Press- Who Appreciated It? Scholars: Pleased their work was read by more people Liked their work could be translated for them Realized the power of the printed word Common People: Humanism began, and their views of the world changed Standards now for business and banking New form of entertainment Read travel books to learn about foreign places (this is an example of expanding worldview!)

The Printing Press-Creating Self Esteem and Self Identity People felt proud to see their native language printed in books, instead of the usual Latin script Read about the history of their country (having a common history creates a sense of belonging) Took pride in reading about new ideas, philosophies and information. Shared with others in this common language. Created a sense of community Led to improved business practices which made people feel proud of their accomplishments.