Richard Abel Knihy

One of the most puzzling lapses in historical accounts of the rise of the West following the decline of the Roman Empire is the casual way historians have dealt with Gutenberg's invention of printing. The cultural achievement that followed the fifteenth century, in which the West moved from relative backwardness to remarkable, robust cultural achievement is unimaginable absent Gutenberg's gift and its subsequent widespread adoption across most of the world. In this book, Richard Abel describes the historical background of the radical cultural impact of the printing revolution. He begins from the eighth century to the Renaissance noting the viability of the new Christian/Classical culture. While it proved too fragile to endure, those who salvaged it preserved elements of the Classical substance together with the Bible and all the writings of the Church Fathers. The cultural upsurge of the Renaissance of the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries which resulted in part from Gutenberg's invention, is a major focus of the work. Abel aims to delineate how the Cultural Revolution was shaped by the invention of printing and its impact on the rapid reorientation and acceleration of the evolution of the culture in the West. This book provides insight into the history of the printed word, the roots of modern-day mass book production, and the promise of the electronic revolution. It is an essential work in the history of ideas.

The book examines the significant yet often overlooked impact of Gutenberg's printing press on the rise of Western civilization after the fall of the Roman Empire. It challenges historians' casual treatment of this revolutionary invention, emphasizing its crucial role in shaping communication, culture, and knowledge dissemination during a transformative period in history. Through this lens, the author explores how printing catalyzed social and intellectual changes that contributed to the modern world.

Exploring the evolution of Hollywood in early 20th-century Detroit, this book delves into the city's vibrant movie culture from 1916 to 1925. Richard Abel highlights the significant contributions of local organizations in film production, distribution, and exhibition, aiming to integrate cinema into daily life. Utilizing a rich array of primary sources, he reveals how entrepreneurs attracted diverse audiences from ethnic neighborhoods to theaters. The work also addresses distribution practices and the interplay between regional efforts and major studios, shaping America's mass moviegoing culture.

Focusing on early westerns and travel images, the analysis delves into the portrayal of settler colonialism and its impact on American culture. It examines how these narratives reflect the westward expansion of white settlers and the evolving concept of "American Progress," highlighting the cultural transformations that accompanied this historical phenomenon. Through this lens, the book uncovers the complexities of American identity and the implications of expansionist ideals.

Exploring the evolution of prologues in American movie theaters from the late 1910s to the mid-1920s, this open access book investigates their origins, key exhibitors, and defining characteristics. It examines the prevalence of prologues in various theater settings, from grand cinemas to small-town venues, and their role in enhancing or contrasting with feature films. The book also delves into the performers involved and how prologues were perceived by audiences, including their potential status as a main attraction in promotional materials.