Was the tudor printing press important?
As important as it gets. In the 15thC a chap called Wycliffe translated the Bible into English, only a handful of copies were in circulation because they all had to be hand written. It influenced a small band of followers (Lollards) but nothing really significant happened. When Caxton set up his press in Westminster, he was printing books by the hundred. William Tyndale again translated the Bible into English and had it printed in Antwerp, and imported into England but unlike Wycliffe he had hundreds of copies spread throughout the country. The authorities wanted it banned and tried to do so but second and third printings some in London, made it into a best seller. Tydale was executed for his troubles but his translation just kept selling. Eventually helping to lead to the reformation of the church. Something the Lollards a century earlier had wanted but been unable to get. Also because they were so cheap in comparison with hand written manuscripts they disseminated knowledge over a wi
Printing spread ideas rapidly and therefore contributed to a number of social and cultural developments. It played a role in the Reformation, including the English Reformation, it helped increase awareness of classical literature, which was important to the English Renaissance, and it allowed for the production of relatively cheap books and easy to carry books, which encouraged reading and literacy in general. Over time, the printing press had an effect on the English language by helping to standardize aspects of it, such as spelling.
