Alois Senefelder (1771-1834), born in Prague, was a German actor and playwright who became more renowned as the inventor of lithography, an ingenious printing technology that was a major advancement in the production of written and illustrated material. His contribution proved pivotal for the printing industry, changing the way texts and images were reproduced and disseminated. In his seminal work, 'The Invention of Lithography' (1819), Senefelder details the meticulous process and serendipitous experiments that led to his discovery and the subsequent impact it had on graphics and publishing. The book also offers an autobiography of sorts, giving insights into his life and the sociocultural context within which lithography was born. Senefelder's invention not only revolutionized the printing world, paving the way for various other forms of flat surface printing, but it also influenced the visual arts, becoming a medium in its own right for artists. His literary style in documenting his invention blends the precision of a technical manual with the narrative flair of a passionate inventor, reflecting his multifaceted background. More than a mere technical handbook, 'The Invention of Lithography' stands as an important historical document, preserving the inventiveness and entrepreneurial spirit of an individual who significantly contributed to our understanding and utilization of the printed word and image.