Breaking into Print: Before and After the Printing Press

by Stephen Krensky, Bonnie Christensen

Provides an insightful look at life in society before the invention of the printing press and demonstrates how the ability to print books and documents greatly changed the modern world.

Genres: History, Renaissance

30 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Desi A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book about the history of books and how printing changed the world. Really liked the illustrations, but the text did not flow as well as I would have liked.

Feb. 2021

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean, it's informative and has pictures. Even though it's a picture book, it's more of a book for 1st or 2nd graders. Anyone younger than that just wouldn't be interested and understand much.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a lot of history in a fun and beautiful way. The invention of the printing press is explained in the format of how it changed history forever - allowing the possibility for anyone to read and not just Monks or Priests. As technology improved, so did the accessibility to reading. It has a beautiful quote at the beginning by Charles Dickens that speaks to the value of the printing press: "Of all the inventions; of all discoveries in science and art; of all the great results in the wonderful progress of mechanical energy and skill; the printer is the only product of civilization necessary to the existence of free man." The book also addresses some developments in writing. In general, this would be great to use in 6th grade social studies, during which European history is discussed. It's easy to read, but includes a lot of information such as facts in the margins. It would expand the schema of the students, such as when paper was invented in China - this would be useful when the students learn more about Asia in 7th grade. I might have students take turns reading portions of the book out-loud and we could stop along the way for me to ask questions, for us to discuss why it was important for paper to be invented, how it shaped history, etc.

[JoAnna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three-line review: Unlike most books with similar titles, this piece of young reader non-fiction focuses not on the craft of writing but the advent of the printing press, without which we wouldn’t be able to read as freely as we do. This is a great overview of all the essential facts as they relate to how the printed book has come to be, and how it has changed access to education for everyone. I’m particularly fond of the finely decorated pages and interesting facts inserted into the side designs of each page.

[Winnifred Artemis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but I felt it missed a few pages with info between 'everybody could get books' and the ending statement of 'this has influenced modern technology'. Had it had that, it would have been a 4 star book.

[Lauren Hahn]

Great history and lots of information. I like the extras in the margins. Great book or literacy!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick illustrated history of Gutenberg. Very enjoyable to read. It is simple for kids and has added info in the margins for further help.

[Elizabeth (Miss Eliza) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as complicated as the previous volume and has far better illustrations. Also a very nice timeline in the back. Again, not so much about Gutenberg...

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice addition to any elementary/middle school World History class covering the Renaissance and the wonderful new invention of the time: the printing press.

[Nan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great information for kids about the development and impact of the printing press.

[Sophie Klockow]

Use in classroom: When talking about writing and reading before the printing press