The printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg, a German craftsman and inventor from Mainz, Germany, in the mid-15th century, around 1448

. Gutenberg developed the first known mechanized printing press in Europe that used movable metal type, an oil-based ink, and a wooden press adapted from wine presses to produce books rapidly and inexpensively

. His invention included innovations such as a metal alloy for durable reusable type, adjustable molds for casting type, and a printing press that applied even pressure to transfer ink to paper efficiently

. Gutenberg's printing press revolutionized the production of books, making literature widely accessible and sparking an information revolution that profoundly influenced the Renaissance, Reformation, and the spread of knowledge across Europe

. Although movable type printing existed earlier in East Asia, Gutenberg's press was the first successful mechanized printing system in Europe and had a transformative impact on Western society

. His most famous work printed using this press was the Gutenberg Bible, considered the first major book printed in Europe with movable type

. In summary, Johannes Gutenberg is credited with inventing the printing press as we know it in Europe, combining movable metal type with a mechanized press to enable mass book production