<human>:  What is the history of the printing press?
<bot>: The printing press was invented in the mid-15th century by Johannes Gutenberg. It was a mechanical device that used movable type and was considered one of the most important inventions of the time due to its impact on the spread of knowledge. It allowed the mass production of printed materials, which had previously been the work of copyists who were limited on the number of copies they could produce. This new technique revolutionized communication and the production of books, magazines, and other written works. With the invention of this press, expanded knowledge was made available to the public and literacy quickly increased.