Beginning of printing

The invention of printing, of course, is associated with the creation of a printing press. This event is considered revolutionary in the history of book business. The beginning of printing has given a tremendous impetus to the development of literacy. This was due to the rapid spread of human wisdom, accumulated over the centuries, cultural creations. Among the world's population there was a sharp increase in the desire for reading, which contributed to the development of the cult of knowledge.

It should be noted that the invention of the printing press was not spontaneous. All its elements were formed gradually. In different epochs, the functional parts of the machine acquired various forms.

There are various information about who initiated the printing. History describes the first experiences of book business in Korea, Mongolia, Japan, China in the 10-11 centuries. But, unfortunately, really created books, so repeatedly described, have not reached our days. That is why it is believed that the beginning of printing was laid by Johann Gutenberg (1399-1468). By combining various technologies that existed then in production, he invented the perfect way of publishing the book at that time. First, Gutenberg became the founder of the new font. Instead of individual letters steel cast in the mirror image of metal stamps. They were pressed into a copper plate, grooves were poured with a special alloy that contained antimony, lead and tin. Thus, it became possible to cast words and letters in large volumes.

Gutenberg in 1450 began publishing the full version of the Bible (the first in Europe). Between 1452 and 1454 (according to various sources) he managed to print a 42-line edition. It was called the Bible because of the fact that on its every page (there were 1282 pages in all) there were 42 lines in two columns.

Pupils Gutenberg (Pannarst and Svenheim) began to spread the invention of publishing technology in Europe. Thus, the beginning of printing contributed to the creation of a new branch of culture and production at the same time - the printing business. In view of the fact that the concept of "publishing" was absent at that time, the new specialty presupposed the perception of the case completely, including the sale of publications in shops at printing shops.

In the history of publishing, the year 1500 is considered a landmark. By this time, the production of the book has acquired a mass character, despite the rather high cost. At the same time, printed earlier 1500 years of publication were called "incunabula" - produced in the "cradle" of the book case, released later this year were called "paleotypes" - "old books".

The beginning of printing in Russia dates back to 1550. At that time, the ruler was Ivan the Terrible, who had significant support for the development of the printing business. But, unfortunately, the first books were released "anonymous" (did not contain output). Therefore, in the history there is no record of the first printing house.

It is believed that Ivan Fedorov became the first printer in Russia. The "Apostle" issued by him on March 1, 1564 became a model of the polygraphic art of that time. This book was published with the assistance and at the direction of Metropolitan Macarius. The publication was a classical interpretation of Christian teaching by the followers of Christ. A book was intended for religious figures.

In 1565 Fedorov in the place with his assistant Petr Mstislavets released the more popular book "The Chapel". Thus, the beginning of the Russian printing business was laid. Followers Fedorova after released the "Psalter". In general, in the 16th century, nineteen books were published in the Moscow printing house. Later, the staff of the publishing house was expanded. Correctors, editors and other specialists began to work there.