THE FORGOTTEN STORY BEHIND THE…
Printing press
Learn about the forgotten drama, scientific duels, and the ‘aha’ moments that created the most exceptional inventions and scientific breakthroughs.
“It is greatly debated how much Gutenberg knew about Chinese printing technology. Some think the knowledge could not possibly have been available… but Marco Polo did bring back some knowledge about printing…”I
In 14th century Europe, books are luxury goods. Only the very rich – such as kings, noblemen, and successful merchants – have any books in their homes. The price of just one book might be a full year of pay for ordinary workers.
But in 1450, when Johannes Gutenberg invents the printing press, things change. Book prices plunge. This enables hundreds, then thousands more people to access new ideas, new knowledge – and also to read criticism of established ideas and systems. The speed at which knowledge spread grows exponentially, gradually changing every aspect of life.
You have probably heard this before, the account of Gutenberg as the genius who invented the new technology that changed the world forever. And this is not untrue. But it is not the whole truth either.
In fact we praise Gutenberg for a good many things that came before him, and when we continue to mention Gutenberg today, it is as much because of his timing as his work.
The history of the printing press really began 500 years before Gutenberg was born, in a secret cave in China’s Taklamakan desert…
Forgotten treasure found in temple
The starvation
