Introduction
Reading feels like second nature to us today, but it wasn’t always that way! The history of reading is full of fascinating stories, unexpected inventions, and cultural shifts that shaped how we enjoy books today. Here are 10 surprising facts that will make you see reading in a whole new light.
1. Reading Was Once Read Aloud Only
In ancient times, most people read texts out loud—even to themselves. Silent reading didn’t become common until the Middle Ages.
2. The First “Books” Were Not Paper
The earliest “books” were clay tablets in Mesopotamia, followed by scrolls made of papyrus in Egypt.
3. The Romans Invented the Codex
Instead of scrolls, Romans began binding pages together in a flat stack—the first step toward the modern book.
4. Libraries Once Chained Books to Shelves
In the Middle Ages, books were so valuable that libraries chained them to desks to prevent theft.
5. Reading Was Once a Luxury
Only the wealthy and religious leaders could read for centuries. Widespread literacy only grew after the printing press.
6. The Printing Press Changed Everything
When Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 1400s, books became cheaper and more widely available.
7. Reading Glasses Were Invented in the 13th Century
These helped older readers enjoy texts long before e-readers had “zoom.”
8. The First Public Libraries Were Revolutionary
They allowed ordinary people—not just elites—to access books.
9. Novels Were Once Seen as “Frivolous”
In the 1700s, some critics believed novels were a waste of time compared to serious history or science.
10. Digital Reading Is the New Revolution
From e-books to audiobooks, reading continues to evolve—making literature more accessible than ever.
Conclusion
Reading has a rich history filled with inventions, traditions, and innovations. The way we read today is built on centuries of fascinating change—and the story is still unfolding.
