Jan 21 2009
English Literature and the Printing Press
In the late 15th century when William Caxton returned to England from Holland with an early printing press, English literature was changed forever.
What happened was that Caxton started producing beautiful editions of the Geoffrey Chaucer’s work. Before long, writers followed suit, hoping to reach audience far and wide.
Literature became more attainable as materials circulated beyond the circle of family, friends and colleagues.
By the 18th century, mass market proliferated, and Europe colonized, including the early printed Bible, what then was called “the Gutenberg Galaxy.” The spread to the world was rapid. From laser printers (1969s), we progressed to the inkjet (1976), 3D (1986), and digital (1997).
