Writing to printing
In the 1440s, a German goldsmith named Johann Gutenberg invented a printing press made from a converted wine press. He spent several years perfecting it. The machine held lines of movable type made up of individual metal letters. Ink was dabbed onto the metal letters by hand, and the press applied the pressure needed to transfer the inked text onto a sheet of paper.

Magic runes
The Vikings used an alphabet of 16 symbol, known as runes. This were formed chiefly from straight lines so that they were easy to cut into pieces of bone or wood. In Viking belief, runes were charged with magic. They were cut to heal the sick, and poorly carved runes were thought to bring bad luck to a household