Period

Tang Dynasty

A place, an object, an everyday problem. Find a small story that opens up a bigger picture.

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The Diamond Sutra of 868: A Book Made to Be Shared

When: Tang Dynasty
Where: China

An illustrated scroll and a short dedication reveal why printing could be an act of devotion.

Topics

Craft Production
Printing

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Investigation

Did Gutenberg Invent Printing? The History Behind the Claim

When: Goryeo Dynasty
Where: China

Gutenberg transformed European book production. But a Chinese scroll and a Korean book show why inventing printing is a much larger claim.

Topics

Printing
Religion

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Conclusion

The Printing Revolution: More Books, Unequal Access

When: Early Modern Period
Where: China

From a Buddhist scroll to European workshops and regulated presses, printing enlarged the possibilities for sharing knowledge. Who could use them remained a question of people, resources and power.

Topics

Politics
Printing