The History of Print

Throughout history, print media has had a hugely influential role on human civilization in a variety of different ways. The earliest signs of printmaking were found in East Asia as early as 220 A.D using a technique called Woodblock printing. 

This printing method later spread all over the world, reaching Europe in the 1300s and was used for printing on cloth, mainly for religious purposes. 


Around the mid fifteenth century, Woodcut books with both text and imagery developed as a ‘cheaper alternative to manuscripts and books’. 

The next integral phase of development happened with the introduction of movable-type printing. Movable type involves using movable pieces of metal type, each made by casting from molds. This method allowed for more flexible processes and thus further developing the world of print.

 In 1440, Johannes Gutenberg developed the revolutionary invention of the world’s first Printing Press. This invention is seen as one of the most influential events of the second millennium as it piloted the ‘age of modernity’ or modern era. 

Compared to woodblock printing, movable type using a press was quicker and more durable. This process resulted in the birth of typography and fonts. 


Usage of the printing press spread rapidly through Europe up into the Renaissance period. With the ever-growing world of print came hundreds of other machines and methods that have all contributed to the role print media has in the society of today. This role of print has been ever shifting throughout human history and thus I will be exploring if print media still has its place in the digital age of the new millennium.