Increased book production and literacy contributed significantly to the start of the Enlightenment by making knowledge and new ideas more accessible to a wider audience. The invention of the printing press enabled the rapid and less expensive production of books, which spread revolutionary scientific, philosophical, and political ideas across Europe. As literacy rates rose, more people were able to read these works, fostering an environment where ideas could be discussed, challenged, and built upon. This widespread circulation of information helped undermine traditional authorities such as the Catholic Church and absolute monarchs, encouraging critical thinking and the questioning of established norms central to Enlightenment thought. Additionally, increased urbanization and social spaces like salons and coffeehouses facilitated the exchange of ideas among intellectuals and the public, further fueling the movement.