an apparatus for timed processing of book blocks for perfect binding includes a feed element to supply respective book blocks horizontally positioned with a spine facing in a feed direction of movement . a lifting device is arranged to receive the respective horizontally positioned book blocks from the feed element . the lifting device is pivotal about a horizontal axis and has an adjustably driven limit stop that forms a conveying end of the feed element . a gripper circulates on a traction element above the lifting device . the lifting device is pivoted about the horizontal axis into an upright position and operates synchronized with the movement of the gripper to lift the respective book blocks with the adjustably driven limit stop to transfer each respective book block to the gripper when the gripper is positioned over the book block in the lifting device .