Books - Post Printing Press

Once the printing press opened a whole new world to the masses, books changed.  Instead of being found only in the monasteries or in government buildings, books could be found virtually everywhere.  One invention caused an intellectual, political, and religious tidal wave.

Most of the books first printed after the printing press were political pamphlets, which were longer than what we think of as pamphlets today, and religious books.  As time marched on, man realized that their poetry could be read far and wide in a portable book.  Novels began to be developed.  Oral traditions were placed on paper for future generations to enjoy.

Along with the development of what was found on the pages, the pages themselves and the bindings also changed.  The improvement allowed books to last longer and easier maintenance.  Covers began to be lasting and artistic leather pieces.  Eventually, lower cost covers were developed that allowed even more people to have access to books.

To protect books even further, dust covers were created that allowed impressive graphics that advanced with technology.  To lower the cost of books even more, they began to be printed in paperback.  The world was changing completely.  Books could be found in a purse while grocery shopping.  They could be found in a physician’s waiting room.  Libraries could be found in every large city and small town.  Used book stores made them even more available.

Technology did not allow books to stop there.  Computers were just as influential as the printing press.  Now, books could be found online.  Down loading books to read or listen to become common.  Devices were created that allowed you to carry small electronic pieces that housed entire novels.  Books that became public domain could be accessed without having to purchase them.  More and more became available.

Do not take the books we have today for granted.  They have struggled to become easy to use and enjoyable for to use.  They bring us new worlds to explore, ideas to chew on, discoveries that have been made, and people to meet.  Books are wondrous creations that have stood the test of time.