Johannes Gutenberg is credited with the invention of the printing press in the 15th century. His innovation, which utilized movable type printing, revolutionized the way information was disseminated and played a crucial role in the spread of knowledge during the Renaissance. Gutenberg's most famous work, the Gutenberg Bible, was printed around 1455 and showcased the potential of the printing press to produce books efficiently and affordably. This invention significantly contributed to the democratization of knowledge, facilitated the Reformation, and laid the foundation for the modern printing industry, profoundly impacting literacy and education across Europe and beyond.