Changes at the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance created a demand for a more economical method of printing. The need for a fast and inexpensive way to produce written documents grew with the growth of literacy. Several new ways of creating written materials were developed. One important innovation was the creation of movable metal type.
Several print masters tried to perfect the use of movable metal type in order to produce books faster and on a larger scale. Johannes Gutenberg (c.1398-1468), was a German stonecutter and goldsmith. He was the first to develop a printing press that offered a solution for the demand of large quantities of written documents. In 1450, he formulated an alloy of lead, tin, and antinomy – a silvery, shiny grey metalloid found in nature – and created metal type out of it. Gutenberg's alloy melted at a low temperature. It cast well in the die and was durable in the printing press. This meant the separate pieces of type could be used again and again. Each letter was a mirror image that was carved in relief on a small block. These individual letters could be easily moved around to form words.
How does the author make the connection between the growth of literacy during the beginning of the Renaissance and Gutenberg's invention?
She explains why the technology previously used to create printed materials was inefficient and unable to produce books on a large scale to meet demand.
She points out that, even though people wanted to read more, Gutenberg's printing process was antiquated and could not keep up with demand.
She describes how the increased demand for printed materials led Gutenberg to develop a way to make more books in less time.
She notes that Gutenberg was only able to invent his printing press because he himself benefited from learning to read at this time.
