gpub

A Simple Ebook Format

This website is about, and in support of, the gpub (aka gempub) file format, an ebook format using gemtext (text/gemini) as its markup language. gpub files are relatively simple to make. They are easy for a non-software-developer to understand. Everyone can write gemtext, and the gpub format is a zipped folder of gemtext (with a few, equally simple, extra tid-bits). People can truly own and understand their ebooks files with gpub without having to understand the mountain of languages, specifications, formats, styles, etc. that epubs require.

The Format Specification

This section is a technical section for book producers and software developers. If you are wanting to read gpub files, this information should not be necessary.

In the absense of clarity and recent development, we at this site have written up an updated gpub specification that is fully compatible with the prior specification, but is, we hope, more clear. While we host the files here, we also have a git repo for the specification (a soft fork of the original) and welcome issues/comments.

Reading Software

Having an ebook format is no good without being able to read the books. Here are some readers to get your started. Hopefully the ecosystem will grow and support will be added to other established readers.

GUI
Peregrin - A gpub library/reader progressive web app installable on mobile devices
Lagrange - A really great gemini client that can also read gpub files
Gpub Reader - A basic reader in a single HTML file
GReader - A native GUI gpub reader
TUI/Terminal
gpr - A nice terminal-based reader; remembers your place in each book; remembers last read book automatically; also supports epub/kepub; has a fancy mode with colorful styling

To try out the format, we have a hosted version of gpub-reader so that you can try the format in your browser. You will need a gpub file on your system to use it. The source code is also available (see "Gpub Reader" link, above). Peregrin, above, can also be run in your web browser (mobile or desktop) and, optionally, installed (mobile); visit peregrin.colorfield.space to do so.

Books

Until you make or find your own, we have a sample book available for download: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Books are available from The People's Circumlunar Library, and many more are scattered around gemini (a gemini "search engine" can help you find them).