package docbook-xml 4.5-7.3 failed to install/upgrade: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration

[John King]

I wasn't able to update my system because of this.

ProblemType: Package
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 16.04
Package: docbook-xml 4.5-7.3
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 4.4.0-96.119-generic 4.4.83
Uname: Linux 4.4.0-96-generic x86_64
NonfreeKernelModules: wl
ApportVersion: 2.20.1-0ubuntu2.10
Architecture: amd64
Date: Thu Sep 21 11:07:16 2017
ErrorMessage: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration
InstallationDate: Installed on 2016-09-21 (364 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 16.04.1 LTS "Xenial Xerus" - Release amd64 (20160719)
PackageArchitecture: all
RelatedPackageVersions:
 dpkg 1.18.4ubuntu1.2
 apt 1.2.24
SourcePackage: docbook-xml
Title: package docbook-xml 4.5-7.3 failed to install/upgrade: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)