Bookbinder’s Press Sticks Closed Around Absolutely Nothing

A bookbinder on Paper Lane closed a small hand press for cleaning this afternoon and found that the screw mechanism would not reopen. No book, paper or fingers were inside. The press had successfully trapped nothing.

Two neighbouring craftspeople arrived with oil, advice and contradictory theories. The bookbinder refused all suggestions involving hammers. After twenty minutes, a worn locking pin was found resting half-engaged beneath the screw collar.

The pin has been replaced and the press is working normally. The bookbinder says the machine may clamp books again once it apologises. The neighbouring craftspeople say this is unreasonable because the press cannot speak. The bookbinder says that is precisely why an apology should be easy.