The origins of book publishing can be traced back to the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century. The first printed books were known as "incunabula" which is Latin for "cradle", because they were printed in the earliest stage of the printing press. Here is a look into the origins of book publishing and the first printed books:
The Gutenberg Bible: One of the first books printed using Gutenberg's press was the Gutenberg Bible, also known as the 42-line Bible. It is believed that around 180 copies of the Gutenberg Bible were printed between 1455 and 1460. Today, only around 48 copies are known to survive.
The Mainz Psalter: Another early printed book produced by Gutenberg's press was the Mainz Psalter, a collection of Psalms used in the Catholic Church. It is believed that around 150 copies of the Mainz Psalter were printed.
A wide range of texts: The first printed books were not limited to religious texts, but also included texts on grammar, law, medicine, and scientific treatises.
Impact: The invention of the printing press and the production of the first printed books marked a turning point in the history of book publishing. It allowed for the mass production and distribution of books, making them more widely available and affordable to a wider audience. This greatly increased the spread of knowledge and literacy, laying the foundation for the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution.
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