The present invention concerns a new multipurpose machine for the automatic application of covers or flyleaves and spines, comprising a vice (1) that carries the body of the book and any flyleaves from a jogger (2) on one side to a first lateral glue applicator assembly (3) and a first milling cutter (4) for trimming the body of the book, and on the other side to a second milling cutter (5) for trimming the back of the text blocks, with a second assembly (6) for applying lateral and dorsal glue, and also comprising a device for positioning spines and a press (7) for attaching spines or paperback covers.