System for printing a book on pre-bound pages

An apparatus for printing on the pages of a block of printable pages that are pre-bound by a binding along a binding-edge of each page, the apparatus comprising:

• a block support structure comprising two height-adjustable tables for supporting the block of printable pages in two adjacent stacks, so that when a page is turned from atop a first stack to an adjacent second stack, the two adjacent stacks present substantially co-planar printable top surfaces;
• a moveable bridge adapted to movement in at least one dimension, comprising a printing device, and configured to move the printing device in a controlled manner over the printable top surfaces so as to print on said printable top surfaces;
• a page-turning mechanism connected to the moveable bridge, comprising a roller configured for partially lifting a bound top page of the first stack, and a page-flipping tab for sliding under the partially lifted bound top page so that when the bridge is moved the partially lifted bound top page is flipped over to the second stack presenting new printable top surfaces for the printing device to print on;
• and
• a separating mechanism for separating the first and second stacks of pages, the separating mechanism comprising a wire and a wire-pulling device for pulling the wire between the first and second stacks of pages so as to separate the first and second stacks of pages.