Abstract: A reciprocal action apparatus for adhesively binding together pages to form a book is described. The apparatus contains two basic components; a stationary support member and a movable carriage member. The stationary support member contains carriage drive means, a clutch assembly for engaging and disengaging the carriage drive means, a cover mounting assembly, an adhesive applicator and reservoir assembly and an elongated carriage bar member. The movable carriage member which includes a clamping assembly for holding together the pages being bound travels in a reciprocating manner along the elongated carriage bar member. In operation, the movable carriage member transports the pages being bound to a first station where they are tangentially contacted by a rotating adhesive applicator. In association with the rotating adhesive applicator are scraper blades and "doctor" blade.