The Printing Press
1520
The wide availability of inexpensive, durable paper made the possibility of printing by machine an interesting option. Early printing on paper was done by using single wood blocks. Gutenberg developed a movable type printing press and produced his first printed book, a Bible, around 1450 to 1455. The demand for printed books was overwhelming and allowed for the quick spread of information and knowledge. The paper in most of the Linda Hall Library's rare book collection is made from cotton and linen rags and continues to be strong and flexible even after hundreds of years.

Illustration from:
The frontispiece of Chalcidij Viri Clarissimi Lucenta Timaei Platonis Traductio & Eiusdem Argutissima Explanatio, a 1520 translation of Plato's Timaeus. Published in Paris by Vaenundãn tur in officinis Iodici Badii Ascensii.