How to sort on Author(s) last name?

[Tolkamp]

When I select "Sort on Author(s) Ascending" my library is sorted on authors first name.
How can I sort on Authors last name?

Note:
In the Edit Metadata individually window:
- edit box "Author sort" contains: last name, first name
- edit box "Author(s) contains: first name, last name.

[kovidgoyal]

When you sort by the authors column it will sort by whatever is in the author sort field for the book.

[Tolkamp]

Does this mean that when I want to sort on last name I have to change all the authors names in the left "Author(s)" edit box?

In the left "Author(s)" edit box the names are availble as first name, last name.
In the right "Author sort" edit box the names are availble as last name, first name.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Tolkamp

Does this mean that when I want to sort on last name I have to change all the authors names in the left "Author(s)" edit box?

In the left "Author(s)" edit box the names are availble as first name, last name.
In the right "Author sort" edit box the names are availble as last name, first name.

That comma may be throwing things off: it should read: firstname middle_optional lastname

[chaley]

The author column is *always* sorted using the author_sort value. If you are seeing it sorted by FN LN, then the author_sort values are FN LN and not LN, FN as you say.

You can fix author_sort values. The first thing to do is go to the manage authors dialog (there are several ways to get there) and check that the author sort value for each author is correct. From reading your posts, you want that value to be LN, FN for author names that are FN LN.

If you haven't messed with the author_sort tweak, then the button 'recalculate all author_sort values' should produce close to the right answer. Press the button and *look at the results*. If you like what you see, then press OK and the author_sort values for the books will be changed.

If the values for authors are correct, then you must force recalculation of author_sort for each book. Select every book that is wrong (perhaps select the entire library), press the 'E' key to get to Edit Metadata (bulk), check the "Automatically set author sort", and press OK. The author_sort value for each book will be recalculated using the sort value for each author that you see in the manage authors dialog.

If you haven't done so already, you should read the calibre manual section on author management http://manual.calibre-ebook.com/faq.html#id34

[Tolkamp]

Thank you for your reaction.
In my opinion the only consistant solution is to copy the contents of "Author sort" edit box (LN, FN) into the "Author(s)" edit box; that for all library records.
It takes a couple of hours work for me,but the result is that I get a list of Authors sorted on LN, FN.

[chaley]

Originally Posted by Tolkamp

Thank you for your reaction.
In my opinion the only consistant solution is to copy the contents of "Author sort" edit box (LN, FN) into the "Author(s)" edit box; that for all library records.
It takes a couple of hours work for me,but the result is that I get a list of Authors sorted on LN, FN.

Unless the problem is lack of visual consistency between the author's name and the sort order, that won't have any effect. The contents of the authors box is not used to sort the library, it is used only when displaying the names. However, if that is what you want to do, you can do it with one button click. See the Manage Authors dialog.

[Tolkamp]

Indeed, only I want to see the displayed names sorted on LN, FN.
Which of the following 4 buttons of Manage Authors dialog have to be pressed:
- sort by author
- sort by author sort
- recalculate all autor sort values
- copy all author sort values to author?

[chaley]

My understanding of what you are saying is that when sorting by author, the library view is sorted by "LN, FN" (contents of author sort) but the names are displayed FN LN. I assume this is a problem as it is harder to visually find what you are looking for, because the name sorted upon is not on the left of the author's column. You want to change calibre's options so that authors names are displayed LN, FN, making the visual display match the sort.

Assuming the above is correct, this is a very common request. Follow the directions in http://manual.calibre-ebook.com/faq.html#id34, and in particular the directions in the grey box.

Some people go the other direction, keeping FN LN authors and changing the author sort values to equal the author, thereby sorting and viewing by FN LN. The majority seems to prefer default behavior, sorting by LN, FN but seeing FN LN.

[Tolkamp]

The directions in http://manual.calibre-ebook.com/faq.html#id34 are too complicated for me.
When I copy the contents of "Author sort" edit box (LN, FN) into the "Author(s)" edit box (for all library records). After that I sort on Author(s) Ascending and the result is that I see a list of Authors displayed as LN, FN.
I think most people select a book from a library by scrolling in a list displayed as LN, FN.

[chaley]

Glad it has worked out for you.

Regarding:

Originally Posted by Tolkamp

I think most people select a book from a library by scrolling in a list displayed as LN, FN.

The vast majority of users prefer FN LN, or at least make no attempt to change it. Of course, many prefer LN, FN, which is why the option is in calibre.

[Tolkamp]

Is it usual for the UK that e.g. a telephone guide book is sorted at LN and printed as
FN LN? In Holland it is always LN, FN.
In any case, Charles I thank you very much for the time spend on my problem.

[Starson17]

Originally Posted by Tolkamp

Is it usual for the UK that e.g. a telephone guide book is sorted at LN and printed as
FN LN? In Holland it is always LN, FN.

All of my book covers and book contents are printed FN LN. When I put them on my shelf, I file them as LN, FN. Calibre replicates that behavior, and users are free to change it.

Personally, I don't think Charles really believes that the vast majority of users prefer FN LN, but that's the Calibre default, and many who might prefer the opposite haven't bothered to change. I like having one field that's in the normal FN LN name order and one that's in the LN, FN order. I use whichever I need. Sometimes it's one and sometimes, it's the other.