Server-based ePub "reader"

w2tq · 06-18-2020, 11:14 AM

ePub files are normally downloaded to a user's PC where they are opened by an ePub reader. Is there an open-source package for a server-installed ePub "reader" that will render the ePub file in html on demand and send the html to the client's browser (e.g., IE, Firefox, Chrome, etc.)?

Note: I placed the word "reader" in quotation marks because it's technically not a reader in the usual sense.

Please let me know of any other forums where I can post this query.

JSWolf · 06-18-2020, 02:04 PM

You can run the Calibre server and use that with a web browser to read eBooks.

Turtle91 · 06-18-2020, 02:04 PM

Calibre has an online library service that allows one to read on their browser. It does, however, download the ePub to the computer first...

w2tq · 06-18-2020, 02:57 PM

Thank you for your replies. I am looking for a solution where the ePub file is not downloaded but instead resides solely on the server. I recognize that this might no be possible, short of coding a system from scratch.

JSWolf · 06-18-2020, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w2tq

Thank you for your replies. I am looking for a solution where the ePub file is not downloaded but instead resides solely on the server. I recognize that this might no be possible, short of coding a system from scratch.

If you borrow from Overdrive, you can read online using your web browser.

ilovejedd · 06-18-2020, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w2tq

Thank you for your replies. I am looking for a solution where the ePub file is not downloaded but instead resides solely on the server. I recognize that this might no be possible, short of coding a system from scratch.

Calibre does provide that ability for epub files (online reading, any download is on internet temp cache only and pretty much every browser does that).

Another option is COPS.
https://blog.slucas.fr/projects/cali...ds-php-server/

Jellby · 06-18-2020, 03:53 PM

You can try epub.js, but I think it's also downloaded.

w2tq · 06-18-2020, 04:09 PM

Just to clarify, I own the work. It is now in pdf format; for a variety of reasons, I contemplate converting it to the ePub 3.0 format. I wish to offer it to others, but I want to prevent copying, which might not be possible without a DRM solution. I also own (and code) the website where the work would be hosted.

ilovejedd · 06-18-2020, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w2tq

Just to clarify, I own the work. It is now in pdf format; for a variety of reasons, I contemplate converting it to the ePub 3.0 format. I wish to offer it to others, but I want to prevent copying, which might not be possible without a DRM solution. I also own (and code) the website where the work would be hosted.

You’d have to DIY your own solution including DRM.

Turtle91 · 06-18-2020, 08:40 PM

I think it was the great Feyd-Rautha who said "If you want to hold on to your possessions, set them free!" (or something like that...)

Save yourself the headache of going down the DRM rabbit hole. DRM is VERY difficult to do properly, and very easy to bypass. It only keeps the honest customers honest.

Cheers!

Quoth · 06-19-2020, 04:51 AM

DRM is an illusion.
You can't prevent copies.
You can sue commercial pirates.

06-18-2020, 11:14 AM	#1
w2tq Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jun 2020 Device: none	Server-based ePub "reader" ePub files are normally downloaded to a user's PC where they are opened by an ePub reader. Is there an open-source package for a server-installed ePub "reader" that will render the ePub file in html on demand and send the html to the client's browser (e.g., IE, Firefox, Chrome, etc.)? Note: I placed the word "reader" in quotation marks because it's technically not a reader in the usual sense. Please let me know of any other forums where I can post this query.

06-18-2020, 03:53 PM	#7
Jellby frumious Bandersnatch Posts: 7,542 Karma: 19001583 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Spaniard in Sweden Device: Cybook Orizon, Kobo Aura	You can try epub.js, but I think it's also downloaded. Last edited by Jellby; 06-18-2020 at 04:00 PM.

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06-18-2020, 02:04 PM	#2
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 78,798 Karma: 143059982 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	You can run the Calibre server and use that with a web browser to read eBooks.

06-18-2020, 02:04 PM	#3
Turtle91 A Hairy Wizard Posts: 3,285 Karma: 20171067 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Charleston, SC today Device: iPhone 15/11/X/6/iPad 1,2,Air & Air Pro/Surface Pro/Kindle PW & Fire	Calibre has an online library service that allows one to read on their browser. It does, however, download the ePub to the computer first...

06-18-2020, 02:57 PM	#4
w2tq Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jun 2020 Device: none	Thank you for your replies. I am looking for a solution where the ePub file is not downloaded but instead resides solely on the server. I recognize that this might no be possible, short of coding a system from scratch.

06-18-2020, 04:09 PM	#8
w2tq Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jun 2020 Device: none	Just to clarify, I own the work. It is now in pdf format; for a variety of reasons, I contemplate converting it to the ePub 3.0 format. I wish to offer it to others, but I want to prevent copying, which might not be possible without a DRM solution. I also own (and code) the website where the work would be hosted.

06-18-2020, 08:40 PM	#10
Turtle91 A Hairy Wizard Posts: 3,285 Karma: 20171067 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Charleston, SC today Device: iPhone 15/11/X/6/iPad 1,2,Air & Air Pro/Surface Pro/Kindle PW & Fire	I think it was the great Feyd-Rautha who said "If you want to hold on to your possessions, set them free!" (or something like that...) Save yourself the headache of going down the DRM rabbit hole. DRM is VERY difficult to do properly, and very easy to bypass. It only keeps the honest customers honest. Cheers!

06-19-2020, 04:51 AM	#11
Quoth Still reading Posts: 13,592 Karma: 103381767 Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Ireland Device: All 4 Kinds: epub eink, Kindle, android eink, NxtPaper	DRM is an illusion. You can't prevent copies. You can sue commercial pirates.

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