The invention of the first book is attributed to ancient civilizations, particularly the Sumerians, who created clay tablets for writing around 3500 BC. These early forms of ‘books’ were not books in the modern sense but served as records for trade, laws, and stories.
However, if we consider a book as a collection of written pages bound together, the credit often goes to Johannes Gutenberg for introducing the printing press to Europe in the 15th century. His invention revolutionized the way books were produced, making them more accessible and affordable. The Gutenberg Bible, printed in 1455, is one of the most famous early printed books.
In summary, while the Sumerians created the first written records, Gutenberg is credited with inventing the printing technology that enabled the mass production of books as we know them today.