German inventor Johannes Gutenberg is seen by many as the "founding father of journalism". In 1436 Gutenberg began work inventing the printing press. Gutenberg was inspired by some of the earliest pressing machines, such as the screw press, which was mainly used in agricultural production. Gutenberg by 1440 had completed his wooden machine, however the most important aspect of his invention was that is was the first form of printing to use movable type.
The movable print was significant as it was the first type of print that could move the lettering around separately. Before Gutenberg's invention was used, the transcriptions and publications of books were completed by hand in the monasteries by thousands of well-educated monks.
In 1440 the first set of publications created by Gutenberg's printing press were released. The mass-produced indulgences were printed slips of paper sold by the Catholic Church to remit temporal punishments for sins committed in this life. By 1450 Johannes Gutenberg had started producing publications of the bible, this was mainly due to the partnership Gutenberg had formed with Johann Fust. Fust had financed the publications, which led to a printing boom all across Europe.
Many saw Gutenberg's 42-page bible as his most accomplished work. Despite the success and admiration, Gutenberg was not making much money. This would change when Gutenberg started selling copies of his two-volume bible for a price significantly cheaper than the handwritten copies, which could take at least 20 years for one monk to transcribe.
By 1455 Gutenberg has perfected the formula used for his printing press. This was accomplished by creating an oil-based ink that was suitable for the high quality printing being created by the metal type. However, this was soon to change as Johann Fust sued Gutenberg. This led to Fust gaining ownership of the printing equipment, enabling him and Gutenberg's former assistant, Peter Schoffer to publish the completed bible in 1456.
This did not stop Gutenberg as he managed to manufacture a new printing press with help from Conrad Humery. This printing outfit comprised of a set of small types fashioned after the long cursive handwriting used in books at the time. Gutenberg's invention continued to spread across western society until his death in 1468.
Around the time of Gutenberg's death, there was another man who had begun to form his own printing press in England. His name was William Caxton. Caxton had travelled to Germany and learnt his craft through the expertise of famous German printer Johannes Veledener. In 1474 Caxton would take this knowledge and set up his own printing press near Westminster Abbey. This would be where he produced the first printing works written entirely in English. They included the famous works of Geoffrey Chaucer, most notably The Canterbury Tales.
Johannes Gutenberg and William Caxton have had major influence over civilisation and the modern world. These two men influenced every local and national newspaper, as well as every book published. Even though they were scrutinised by many within high society during the 15th century. No one can argue the fact that the world we live in today, where we are allowed freedom of expression. This would have not of been possible without help from "The Gutenberg Galaxy.”
http://www.suite101.com/content/william-caxton-a83142 (3)
www.wikipedia.org (4)
www.google.com (5)
I won't comment on your Journalism Now article because it is an assessed piece of work and we'll give you detailed feedback in one-to-one tutorials later in the semester.
ReplyDeleteBut where is the article on Peter Cole? Have I missed it?