In 1295, the first paper mill in Europe was established in the city of Fabriano, Italy. This significant development marked a turning point in the production of paper, which had previously been imported from the Islamic world. The establishment of local production not only made paper more accessible but also facilitated the spread of literature and ideas, contributing to the burgeoning Renaissance and the eventual rise of vernacular literature across Europe.

The availability of paper revolutionized the way poetry and literature were produced and consumed. Poets such as Petrarch and later figures of the Renaissance could disseminate their works more widely, leading to a flourishing of poetic forms and styles. The increased accessibility of written materials also encouraged the growth of literary societies and the exchange of ideas, which were crucial for the development of modern poetry.