How to Add AltHistory Stories to calibre
To add an AltHistory story to calibre, download it as an EPUB with WP Downloader and import the file using calibre’s Add books button. You can then edit its metadata, read it offline, or transfer it to an e-reader.
Download the AltHistory story
AltHistory stories are forum threads. WP Downloader collects a thread’s threadmarked chapters and combines them into one book.
Copy the story’s AltHistory URL. It should look like this:
https://althistory.com/threads/some-story-name.123456/Open the AltHistory downloader, paste the link into the box, and start the download. You can also paste it into the box on the WP Downloader home page, which detects the site automatically.
You do not need to sign in to AltHistory. WP Downloader downloads the whole story, not an individual chapter or a list of stories.
Choose EPUB to add the story to calibre. EPUB is free for everyone, and you can include the story’s images. WP Downloader also offers PDF with a free Discord sign-in, but EPUB can be managed and converted in calibre.
For more help with this step, see how to download AltHistory stories.
Add the EPUB to calibre
calibre is a free e-book manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux. After the EPUB finishes downloading:
- Open calibre on your computer.
- Select Add books.
- Find the downloaded EPUB file.
- Select the file and add it to your library.
The story will appear with the other books in your calibre library. Select it to view its details or open it in calibre’s e-book viewer.
You can import stories one at a time or select several downloaded EPUB files with Add books. calibre keeps them together in one library for offline reading and management.
Edit the metadata and cover
Select the book and open calibre’s metadata editor. You can change details such as its title and cover, which can make a collection easier to scan and sort.
You might leave the downloaded title as it is and choose covers that help you tell stories apart. How you organize the library is up to you.
Read the story in calibre
Open the EPUB in calibre’s e-book viewer to read it on your computer. Since the story is saved as a book, you do not need to keep its AltHistory thread open.
The viewer also has a Read aloud feature if you prefer to listen on your computer.
Convert the EPUB to another format
WP Downloader creates EPUB and PDF files. It does not create MOBI, AZW3, or TXT files.
If your device or reading app needs another e-book format, add the EPUB to calibre and use its conversion tools. calibre can convert EPUB files to formats such as AZW3, MOBI, and PDF.
Keeping the original EPUB in your library gives you a source file for later conversions. You can create the format your device needs without downloading the story from WP Downloader again.
Transfer the story over USB
calibre can send books to an e-reader connected over USB. Connect the device to your computer, wait for calibre to recognize it, select the AltHistory story, and use the send-to-device option.
The format you need depends on the device. If necessary, convert the EPUB in calibre before transferring it.
For instructions for a particular device, see how to send AltHistory stories to Kindle or how to read AltHistory stories on Kobo.
Get newly posted chapters
WP Downloader cannot add new chapters to an existing EPUB. If the AltHistory thread gets more threadmarked chapters, download the whole story again.
Before adding the new file to calibre, check its title and metadata so you can tell it apart from the older copy. You can keep both versions or remove the older one after adding the latest download.
FAQ
Can WP Downloader download one AltHistory chapter?
No. WP Downloader downloads whole AltHistory stories. It collects the threadmarked chapters from the forum thread in one book.
Do I need an AltHistory account?
No. You do not need to sign in to download an AltHistory story with WP Downloader.
Which format should I add to calibre?
EPUB is the simplest choice. calibre can read and manage it, then convert it to formats such as AZW3, MOBI, or PDF.
Can calibre read the story aloud?
Yes. calibre’s e-book viewer has a Read aloud feature.
Will my calibre copy update when new chapters appear?
No. WP Downloader does not update an existing EPUB. Download the whole story again to get the latest threadmarked chapters, then add the new file to calibre.