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Johannes Gutenberg

Definition

Johannes Gutenberg was a German inventor who is credited with inventing the movable type printing press in the 15th century. His invention revolutionized the production of books by making them faster, cheaper, and more accessible.

Analogy

Think of Johannes Gutenberg as the Steve Jobs of his time. Just like how Steve Jobs revolutionized technology with the invention of smartphones, Gutenberg revolutionized book production with his printing press.

Related terms

Movable Type: Movable type refers to individual letters and characters that can be rearranged and reused to create different texts. It allowed for efficient printing using Gutenberg's press.

Mass Production: Mass production is the process of producing large quantities of goods quickly and efficiently. The printing press enabled mass production of books, leading to widespread dissemination of knowledge during the Renaissance.

Literacy: Literacy refers to the ability to read and write. The printing press played a pivotal role in increasing literacy rates during the Renaissance by making books more affordable and available to a wider audience.