The invention of the printing press is attributed to Johannes Gutenberg. In the mid-15th century, around 1440, he developed a movable type printing system that revolutionized the production of books. This innovation allowed for the mass production of literature, significantly lowering the cost of books and making them more accessible to the general public. Gutenberg's printing press played a crucial role in the spread of knowledge and ideas during the Renaissance and is often credited with facilitating the Reformation and the Scientific Revolution. His work laid the foundation for modern printing technology, influencing education and communication globally.