Johannes Gutenberg is known for the invention of the printing press around the mid-15th century. His invention revolutionized the production of books and the spread of information, making literature accessible to a broader audience and paving the way for the Renaissance and the Reformation. Gutenberg's printing press utilized movable type, which allowed for faster and more efficient printing compared to hand-copying manuscripts. The press significantly impacted education, literacy, and the dissemination of ideas, marking a pivotal moment in history that contributed to the modern era's development.