Europe-Germany: A mechanical printing press of the type designed by Johannes Gutenberg, 19th century representation

Johannes Gensfleisch zur Laden zum Gutenberg was a blacksmith, goldsmith, printer, and publisher who introduced the printing press. His usage of movable type printing started the Printing Revolution and is widely regarded as the most important event of the modern period. It played a key role in the development of the Renaissance, Reformation and the Scientific Revolution and laid the material basis for the modern knowledge-based economy and the spread of learning to the masses. Gutenberg was the first European to use movable type printing, in around 1439. Among his many contributions to printing are: the invention of a process for mass-producing movable type; the use of oil-based ink; and the use of a wooden printing press similar to the agricultural screw presses of the period. His acclaim is due to the engineering of these elements into a practical system for the mass production of printed books, that was economically viable for printers and readers alike. Gutenberg's method for making type is an improvement over the Chinese Bi Sheng's from 400 years earlier, and is traditionally considered to have included a type metal alloy and a hand mould for casting type. The use of durable metallic movable type allowed rapid mass production of printed works. Gutenberg's printing technology spread rapidly throughout Europe, and quickly replaced most of the handwritten manuscript methods of book production throughout the world. Woodblock printing, rubrication, and engraving continued to be used to supplement Gutenberg's printing process. His first major work using his printing methods was the Gutenberg Bible. (Photo by: Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)