Is it possible to re-download EPUBs?

[GnRFan79]

Hi all, I was wondering if it’s possible to re-download epub files that are showing on my Amazon Content and Devices section as Docs?

There are a couple I don’t seem to have offline backups of and would like to take a backup. I couldn’t see any way of doing this with my account.

Thanks

[Quoth]

Your Amazon Content has no epubs.

I don't understand your question.

[jhowell]

No, you can't get back the original EPUB you sent to Amazon, but you can get something useable.

Amazon does not allow the Download & Transfer via USB function of their website for personal documents so there is no easy download mechanism. You can obtain a copy of the book by sending it to an e-ink Kindle device or app and copying it from there.

It won't have DRM but it also won't be an EPUB. It will be in the Kindle format to which Amazon converted it, usually KF8 (azw3). You can use the kindleunpack plugin for calibre to produce an EPUB from that and result will be fairly close to the original EPUB.

[GnRFan79]

I got it sorted. Transferred the file from the Kindle itself via usb and converted it in Calibre.

[Quoth]

Backup stuff before using "Send to Kindle" and ideally don't use it at all. You can convert from anything to azw3 or mobi yourself with better control than Amazon's system, and without giving Amazon a copy. The security and privacy of Amazon's system for "Send to Kindle" is unclear.

Note, the Internet or Cloud is for sharing, not backups.

[DuckieTigger]

Originally Posted by Quoth

Note, the Internet or Cloud is for sharing, not backups.

Not every possible data is sensitive enough, or valuable enough to need a proper backup. Using the cloud is fine by storing your stuff on someone else's computer to safekeep you from accidental deletion on your device. It is a backup as in backup plan, not a backup as in data backup.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by DuckieTigger

Not every possible data is sensitive enough, or valuable enough to need a proper backup. Using the cloud is fine by storing your stuff on someone else's computer to safekeep you from accidental deletion on your device. It is a backup as in backup plan, not a backup as in data backup.

For me, cloud is the only possible off-site backup. I don't have any place I visit often enough to keep my stuff up to date. What use would I have for a 6-12 months old backup?

[issybird]

Originally Posted by Quoth

Backup stuff before using "Send to Kindle" and ideally don't use it at all. You can convert from anything to azw3 or mobi yourself with better control than Amazon's system, and without giving Amazon a copy. The security and privacy of Amazon's system for "Send to Kindle" is unclear.

I think "Send to Kindle" is highly useful, both for accessing books on the fly and for getting them on my Kindle account for later access across devices. I wish Kobo had something similar.

It's just a book.

[DuckieTigger]

Originally Posted by issybird

I think "Send to Kindle" is highly useful, both for accessing books on the fly and for getting them on my Kindle account for later access across devices. I wish Kobo had something similar.

It's just a book.

Doesn't Kobo have Dropbox support you could use in a similar way?

ETA: Dropbox even has send files by email as well.

[Josieb1]

Originally Posted by DuckieTigger

Doesn't Kobo have Dropbox support you could use in a similar way?

ETA: Dropbox even has send files by email as well.

Technically yes but it’s a pain to get it to work and after trying I’ve decided never to bother again.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by DuckieTigger

Doesn't Kobo have Dropbox support you could use in a similar way?

ETA: Dropbox even has send files by email as well.

Out of the box, only the Sage has it. Works well, I haven't had any issues, but as I use it seldom, I haven't bothered to try it on the Libra. Of course there's no syncing, you'll just get the book. Generally I prefer Calibre, I read only at home anyway.

[DuckieTigger]

Originally Posted by Josieb1

Technically yes but it’s a pain to get it to work and after trying I’ve decided never to bother again.

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Out of the box, only the Sage has it. Works well, I haven't had any issues, but as I use it seldom, I haven't bothered to try it on the Libra. Of course there's no syncing, you'll just get the book. Generally I prefer Calibre, I read only at home anyway.

I see, thank you. That is why I usually stay within Amazon devices. There might be less features, but what features they do have is implemented well. I have assumed the Dropbox integration is just that, a copy of Amazon's feature, but not requiring any Kobo resources for cloud management, but using Dropbox instead, including syncing back bookmarks and such. If it is just a download manager, I wouldn't call it support for Dropbox.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by DuckieTigger

I see, thank you. That is why I usually stay within Amazon devices. There might be less features, but what features they do have is implemented well. I have assumed the Dropbox integration is just that, a copy of Amazon's feature, but not requiring any Kobo resources for cloud management, but using Dropbox instead, including syncing back bookmarks and such. If it is just a download manager, I wouldn't call it support for Dropbox.

Well, it supports downloading from Dropbox.

I agree with the Amazon experience generally being less buggy and smoother. Comes with a pretty completely closed and controlled OS, I suppose. My problem with Amazon devices is that I can't customize them the way I want without jailbreaking, which is a PITA for me, as I'm no computer whiz. And as a heavy Calibre user, I value the Kobo/Calibre integration. No more plugboards and manual collection creating.

I did use Kindles for years, exclusively. At some point their options were just no longer enough for me.

[slm]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Well, it supports downloading from Dropbox.

I agree with the Amazon experience generally being less buggy and smoother. Comes with a pretty completely closed and controlled OS, I suppose.

I started using Pocketbook a few months ago: Pocketbook has the main Amazon features: a "send to Pocketbook" email, a cloud and automatic syncing. And they all work well. These are a little slower and more intrusive than the Amazon equivalents, but not significantly. So I guess you can do all these things without also needing a closed system.