The Gutenberg Parenthesis

1. The Gutenberg Parenthesis: Print as an Exception

Gutenberg’s era—print’s era, the era of the book for the last 550 years—was a grand exception in the course of history.

A temporary enclosure. The Gutenberg Parenthesis theory posits that the age of print, lasting roughly from the mid-15th century to the late 20th century, was a unique interlude in the way humans communicated. Before print, information was primarily oral, collaborative, and performative. After print, with the rise of the internet, society is returning to a more interconnected, conversational mode of communication.

Linearity and authority. Print established a linear, fixed, and permanent form of knowledge. This led to the rise of the author as an authority, the certification of expertise, and the development of institutions like universities and libraries. Copyright law further solidified the idea of writing and creativity as commodities, leading to a culture of consumption rather than conversation.

Closing the parenthesis. The internet is now challenging these print-era norms. Knowledge is again becoming freely shared, remixed, and remade. The value of authorship and ownership is diminishing, and society is grappling with the implications for media, education, law, and our understanding of knowledge itself. This shift offers an opportunity to re-evaluate what was valuable in the age of print and what can be restored from the pre-print era.

2. Print's Presumptions: Shaping Cognition and Society

The time inside the Parenthesis is characterized by containment. Parenthesis, then, is not merely a metaphor but a worldview.

Boundaries and capitalism. Print helped establish the imagined communities we call nations by standardizing languages and creating a shared cultural experience. It also fostered capitalism by creating a market for content, leading to copyright laws and the commodification of creativity.

Industrialization and mass media. Print pioneered industrialization through scale, speed, and standardization, leading to mass media and the concept of a mass audience. This one-size-fits-all approach favored categorization and a sense of abundance while simultaneously trading on scarcity.

Fixity and authority. Print fostered a will to categorize in encyclopedias, botanicals, dictionaries, and libraries. Print provides fixity and the illusion of permanence, even the promise of immortality. In our present-day consciousness, print’s immutability contributes to our cultural presumption that text-on-page carries greater authenticity than the spoken word.

3. Trepidation and Transition: Voices from the Dawn of Print

Writing indeed, which brings in gold for us, should be respected and held to be nobler than all goods, unless she has suffered degradation in the brothel of the printing presses. She is a maiden with a pen, a harlot in print.

Scribes' fears. The arrival of printing sparked fear and resistance, particularly among scribes who saw their livelihoods threatened. They worried about the vulgarization of intellectual life, the spread of dangerous ideas, and the loss of control over the creation and dissemination of knowledge.

Mixed feelings. Some, like Johannes Trithemius, recognized the benefits of printing in making books more accessible and affordable, but also cautioned against the immoderate love of books and the potential for errors and impermanence.

Cultural anxieties. Writers like Cervantes and Hugo grappled with the cultural and societal shifts brought about by print. Cervantes explored the dangers of excessive reading and the blurring of reality and fiction, while Hugo mourned the displacement of architecture as the primary means of human expression.

4. Gutenberg's Ingenuity: More Than Just a Press

Gutenberg was the early industrialist who brought scale, speed, and standardization—an assembly line—to craftsmanship.

A multifaceted inventor. Johannes Gutenberg was not merely the inventor of the printing press, but a master of metallurgy, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. He developed innovative methods for casting type, formulating ink, and preparing paper, all essential to the success of his printing operation.

Entrepreneurial spirit. Gutenberg was also a risk-taking entrepreneur who sought capital from his partner, Johann Fust, to finance the expensive process of producing books before customers could buy them. This entrepreneurial spirit helped to catalyze the growth of capitalism.

Mysterious motives. Despite his immense impact, Gutenberg's motives remain unclear. Whether driven by religious zeal, financial gain, or a desire for posterity, his invention revolutionized communication and laid the foundation for the modern world.

5. The Craft of Printing: A Laborious Art

And here the reader will find just cause to wonder, that this Art, which has been stiled the nurse and preserver of arts and sciences should (if I may use the expression) be so forgetful of itself, as not to leave us the least sketch of its history.

A complex process. Printing with movable type was a complex and laborious process involving numerous steps, from designing and engraving letters to casting type, composing pages, and operating the press. Each step required specialized skills and meticulous attention to detail.

The art of type founding. The creation of metal type was a particularly intricate art, involving the design and engraving of punches, the creation of matrices, and the casting of individual sorts. This process required a deep understanding of metallurgy and a steady hand.

The printing press. The printing press itself, adapted from existing presses used for wine and oil production, was a marvel of engineering. It required careful calibration and precise operation to ensure even pressure and clear impressions. The entire process, from typesetting to printing, was a testament to human ingenuity and craftsmanship.

6. Gutenberg's Legacy: Beyond the Bible

Gutenberg’s achievement created a new and wonderful earth, but at the same time also a new hell. During the past 500 years Gutenberg’s invention has supplied both earth and hell with new occurrences, new wonders and new phases.

More than just the Bible. While Gutenberg's Bible is his most famous work, he also printed a variety of other materials, including calendars, indulgences, and political pamphlets. These diverse products demonstrate the wide range of applications for printing and its potential to influence society.

The archbishops' war. Gutenberg's invention became embroiled in political and religious conflicts, as competing factions used print to disseminate propaganda and rally support. This conflict led to Gutenberg's expulsion from Mainz and the subsequent spread of printing throughout Europe.

A lasting impact. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding his invention, Gutenberg's legacy remains secure. His printing press revolutionized communication, transformed society, and paved the way for the modern world.

7. Print Spreads: A Double-Edged Sword

The book will destroy the building.

Rapid dissemination. The technology of printing spread rapidly throughout Europe, with presses established in numerous cities within a few decades of Gutenberg's invention. This rapid dissemination was facilitated by the mobility of printers and the growing demand for books.

New aesthetics. As printing spread, it also evolved, with new typefaces and design aesthetics emerging in different regions. Italian printers, for example, developed elegant roman typefaces that contrasted with the heavier gothic styles favored in Germany.

Control and censorship. The spread of printing also led to increased efforts to control and censor its output. Authorities feared the power of print to disseminate subversive ideas and took measures to restrict its use and punish those who violated their rules.

8. The Rise of the Newspaper: Information for All?

To find out what people read, look at their garbage.

From newsletters to newspapers. The newspaper emerged as a new form of media in the 17th century, evolving from handwritten newsletters and printed pamphlets. This new medium provided a more regular and accessible source of information for a wider audience.

Early challenges. Early newspapers faced numerous challenges, including censorship, high costs, and limited distribution. They also struggled to establish credibility and compete with existing forms of communication.

A new public sphere. Despite these challenges, the newspaper played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of community. It provided a forum for debate and discussion, and helped to create a more informed and engaged citizenry.

9. Print Evolves: New Forms, New Audiences

The press, that gigantic machine which untiringly sucks up all the intellectual sap of society, unceasingly vomits forth fresh material for its work. All mankind are on the scaffolding. Every mind is a mason.

New genres emerge. As print became more established, new literary forms emerged, including the novel, the essay, and the play. These genres explored new themes and perspectives, reflecting the changing social and intellectual landscape of the time.

Expanding audiences. The rise of print also led to the emergence of new audiences, including women and the working class. Publishers began to cater to these audiences with specialized publications and content.

The power of the press. Print became a powerful force in society, shaping public opinion, influencing political events, and driving social change. It also became a source of conflict, as authorities sought to control its output and suppress dissenting voices.

10. The Meaning of It All: Print's Enduring Impact

We live in a moment of choice, and it is good and necessary that we examine what we might gain and lose.

A transformative force. The invention of printing was a transformative event in human history, reshaping communication, knowledge, and society in profound ways. Its impact continues to be felt today, as we grapple with the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

Lessons for the future. By examining the history of print, we can gain valuable insights into the nature of communication, the role of technology, and the dynamics of social change. These lessons can help us navigate the complexities of the digital world and make informed choices about its future.

A moment of choice. As we stand on the cusp of a new age, we have the opportunity to learn from the past and create a better future. By understanding the lessons of the Gutenberg Parenthesis, we can harness the power of technology to foster conversation, community, creativity, and knowledge.

Last updated: April 14, 2025