In 1455, Gutenburg invented the printing press. While many early texts were religious in nature, the Church was concerned about what else might be printed, and before the end of the century some regions censored books. However, printed copies of Luther's theses were widely distributed (because of the printing press), thus the Reformation. In the centuries since, many other works shaped European history.
Islam, on the other hand, banned the printing press until the 18th century....
From Europe: a History by Davies.