The Printing Press

Short History Of...

Noiser

History

4.8 • 4.1K Ratings

🗓️ 17 March 2025

⏱️ 58 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Before Johannes Gutenberg’s revolutionary invention, knowledge was a privilege accessible only to the wealthy, the powerful, or the devout. In this world, ideas travelled slowly, and were constrained by the limits of human hand. So when, in the mid-15th century, Gutenberg invented the printing press, it became so much more than a machine. Ideas could be replicated by the thousands, making it the first great equaliser of information. But how did this seemingly humble invention fuel the fires of the Renaissance? How did it change Europe’s relationship with the church, and give rise to the Reformation? And how did it help to shape the reputations of historical figures, from Vlad the Impaler, to Joan of Arc? This is a Short History Of The Printing Press. A Noiser Production. Written by Sean Coleman. With thanks to John Man, historian, travel writer, and author of The Gutenberg Revolution, The Story of a Genius and an Invention that Changed the World. Get every episode of Short History Of a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material, and early access to shows across the Noiser network. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This is a paid advertisement from Ancestry.
0:05.8	As part of Women's History Month, we've been thinking of those in our own families
0:09.4	who have paved the way for us.
0:11.8	On the Noiser podcast network, we do our best to bring to life incredible stories of famous
0:15.8	women in history.
0:16.9	I was particularly struck by the story of Mary Curie, who began her life in Poland at a time
0:21.3	where there was no higher education for women and ended as an internationally renowned
0:25.4	scientist, honored at the White House.
0:28.1	But so many of us have amazing stories even closer to home, right there, just out of sight.
0:33.8	Women we are related to who broke the mold, either in some amazing act of bravery or just
0:38.8	in everyday life.
0:40.4	Like me, you can start delving into your own family history.
0:43.6	No doubt you'll discover inspiring women who shaped who you are today.
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1:22.0	Thank you. It's 1453 in the bustling city of Mainz, Germany, on the banks of the river Rhine.
1:37.3	It's a bright morning and the market is in full swing.
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