Printing was originally developed in Asia in the 7th century with the use of woodblock printing. "The Diamond Sutra" was printed in the year 868 and is one of the first-known printed works. In the 15th century, Johan Gutenberg of Germany invented the printing press, and the Gutenberg Bible was printed in the middle of the century.
By the year 1500, the practice of printing had spread to most of Europe. Printing was introduced in the United States at the end of the 17th century in Pennsylvania by William Bradford. Different styles of font and sizing were developed by the French in the 18th century.
Print has been used as a means of expression and communication. It gives multiple generations access to history and intellect from the past, and allows ideas to be spread across cultures.