Abstract: Two-shot hot-melt bookbinding adhesives, books and related articles bound thereby, a method for applying such adhesives, and a system for performing the method are provided. The disclosed bookbinding developments all utilize a low viscosity primer formulation having a viscosity of between about 1100 and about 2500 cps at a temperature of about 350.degree. F. and a cover glue formulation having a viscosity which is greater than the viscosity of the primer formulations at a temperature of about 350.degree. F. In the preferred embodiments, the primer and cover glue formulations contain a backbone polymer which includes an ethylene-based polymer either alone or in combination with another polymer. The disclosed primer formulations are especially useful in binding books made with paper substrates that present difficult adhesion problems. The disclosed cover glue formulations are capable of penetrating, fusing and re-enforcing the primer while simultaneously adhering to a soft cover or liner substrate.