How to define the "Start" or "Beginning" page in Calibre

[paul_01]

Hi,

I can't seem to define the "Start" or "Beginning" page when converting the raw HTML file to mobi in Calibre. It seems like most of the Kindle books I download start at Chapter One, missing out the front matter. This is how I would like to format Kindle books.

It's a simple matter in mobipocket (there's a dialog box in the Guide section) What this does, is add a line to the OPF file in the Reference Section.

I have tried using "Start reading at Xpath Expression" in Calibre under the Structure Detection menu, but haven't had any success.

I've researched this online but haven’t found a solution.

Can Calibre do this? How? If not it seems like a must-have wish list item.

thx

[kovidgoyal]

If you are converting epub add the line to the opf in the epub using the tweak book feature and then convert it. If you are converting some other format, use the start reading at xpath expression. Read the Xpath tutorial in the user manual if you cant figure out how to use XPath.

[Skeezix]

Here's how I do it:

When converting to MOBI, make sure you have "debug" turned on. After the conversion, go to the "processed" folder in wherever you put the debug output. Edit the content.opf in there and add this line to the <guide> section:

<reference href="mybook.html#start" type="start" title="Startup Page"/>

(Obviously, substitute your HTML file and anchor in there.)

Then, zip all the content in that processed folder and add the zip to Calibre. Convert that zip to a MOBI and it will retain your start page.

[paul_01]

Kovid - I'm creating Kindle books direct from HTML not converting an epub. I did look at the Xpath tutorial and made several attempts but without success. It might be beyond the skillset of most authors to figure out Xpath.

Skeezix - Hadn't thought about that. Thanks - that ought to work.