Abstract: A device for a bookbinding machine for applying and pressing a cover (3) on to an inner book (2) which is continuously transported in feed direction (F) comprises a vertically-movable back pressing plate (4a,b) mounted on a support plate (7) for pressing the cover (3) on to the back, and comprises horizontally displaceable side pressing bars (5, 6) mounted in bearings on the support plate (7) and controlled by an actuating arrangement for pressing against side faces adjacent to the back, the back pressing plate (4a,b) and the side pressing bars (5, 6) being able, in a cyclical reciprocating movement (H), to be advanced synchronously with the transported inner book while pressing against same and being guided at a distance from the back in the reverse movement.