활자 인쇄술 개발의 前後史에 대한 再檢討

A Reconsideration of the History of the Typography Development -From superiority of technology to varieties of culture -

Typography was invented independently in East Asia and Europe. However, the ripple effect was significantly different in East Asia and Europe. There have been various explanations that try to clarify whether the difference was caused by technological or cultural differences. Until now, most of the explanations about Eastern typography have come up with simplified conclusions, refering only to the backwardness of Eastern typography or the conservative character of Eastern society. Previous studies tended to compare East Asia and Europe in the simple time frame, leading the conclusion that the ripple effect was small in Eastern society as their typography was primitive and Eastern culture tended to be conservative. The purpose of this study is to suggest that we can explain why East Asian and European typographies brought out different social effects on each society only when we understand such differences between East Asia and Europe as the tradition of ancient Eastern xylography, distinctive features of ancient Eastern culture, and characteristics of materials for paper and its production procedures. When we carry out comparative study of East Asian and European printing technologies, it is necessary to take comprehensive social and cultural approach not just to superiority or inferiority of printing technology , but also to varieties of printing culture.