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Printing press, 16th century
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Printing press, 16th century
Printing press. Historical artwork of men working in a 16th century printing press. The printers are in the foreground whilst, behind them, two compositors work on typesetting and preparing the printing blocks. Though previously known in China, European printing was independently invented by Johann Gutenberg in about 1450. The mass-production of cheap text greatly advanced the spread of knowledge. Taken from Jost Ammans Book of Trades 1568
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Media ID 6468391
© CORDELIA MOLLOY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1500s 16th Century Block Paper Press Printer Printing Printing Press Publisher Text 1568 Block Printing Compositor Compositors Mono Chrome Printers Typesetter Typesetting
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the 16th century, immersing us in the world of a printing press. In this historical artwork, we witness men diligently working amidst an array of fascinating machinery and tools. The printers take center stage in the foreground, their focused expressions revealing their dedication to their craft. Behind them, two compositors are engrossed in typesetting and preparing the printing blocks. These skilled individuals play a crucial role in ensuring that every letter is perfectly arranged before it goes onto the press. It is worth noting that European printing was independently invented by Johann Gutenberg around 1450, although its origins can be traced back to China. The significance of this invention cannot be overstated; it revolutionized knowledge dissemination on an unprecedented scale. Mass-production of cheap text became possible through these advancements, allowing information to reach far corners of society like never before. This particular image is extracted from Jost Ammans Book of Trades published in 1568—a remarkable testament to human ingenuity during that era. The monochrome illustration beautifully captures both the technological marvels and human artistry involved in early printing processes. As we gaze upon this snapshot from history, we are reminded of how far technology has come since then while appreciating those who paved the way for our modern means of communication and knowledge sharing.
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