A binding-in and pressing machine (1) with a plurality of pressing stations (60) and heated joint forming rails situated on a reciprocating carriage (50). An alignment station (20) is provided for aligning the book case joints (2a) at the height of the joint forming rails (49a, b), including a height-adjustable alignment table (21) with rails (22, 23) for supporting the book (2) on the outer edges of its spine and guide elements (28, 6) for centering the book on the alignment table. A separate pre-forming station (40) is also provided that comprises the forming rail (51), clamping plates (41a, b), and joint rails (48a, b) that engage into the book case joints (2a) and counteract a downward movement of at least the book case joints (2a). The books (2) aligned in the alignment station (20) are transferred into the pre-forming station (40) while being clamped in lateral regions near the joints. The effective times available for realizing a functionally safe alignment and a permanent pre-forming of the books are extended due to the assignment of the alignment and pre-forming functions to two separate stations.