The Spread of Paper Technology in Europe
What happened
By 1261, the technology of paper-making had begun to spread from the Islamic world into Europe, significantly impacting the way information was recorded and disseminated. The introduction of paper allowed for more efficient writing and record-keeping compared to parchment and vellum. This innovation was particularly important in cities like Venice and Florence, where trade and scholarship flourished, leading to an increase in literacy and literary production.
Literary impact
The availability of paper revolutionized the publishing industry, enabling poets and writers to produce and distribute their works more widely. This shift contributed to the flourishing of literary culture in Europe, as seen in the works of poets like Petrarch, who utilized this new medium to share his sonnets and ideas, ultimately influencing the development of modern poetry.
Source: Wikipedia