Movable Type

Definition

Movable type refers to a printing technique developed in Europe during the 15th century, where individual letters or characters could be rearranged and reused to compose text. This innovation allowed for faster and more efficient printing compared to handwritten manuscripts.

Related terms

Gutenberg Printing Press: The Gutenberg Printing Press was the first mechanical printing press that utilized movable type. It revolutionized the spread of information by making books more affordable and accessible.

Mass Production: Mass production refers to the manufacturing of large quantities of goods using standardized processes and machinery. Similarly, movable type enabled mass production of books, leading to increased availability and dissemination of knowledge.

Literacy Rates: With the advent of movable type, literacy rates began to rise as printed materials became more widely available. People had greater access to written information, which facilitated learning and intellectual growth.