Is there a way to read iBooks on my Mac?

Currently this is not possible.

You can't, they can currently only be read in the iBooks app on an iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch (an ibook's requirements should be listed on the left-hand side of its description page in the store).

iBooks: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4059 - Computers are not listed under supported devices.

Post discussing alternatives to iBooks for use on computers and other devices - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3906491?answerId=18234213022#18234213022

People may not have time or wifi or data connection or even network capability to download them directly to a mobile device. Furthermore, all mobile devices are really intended to be managed through a computer so ultimately all the files need to end up on a computer anyway for management. Why not start there where people have a fast connection?

Make sure you stay away from the apps page. You can download lots of apps but those too can only be run on an iOS device.

silvanus63108 wrote:

Okay. I can download them to my MacBook but I can't view them?! Who's stupid idea was that?!

They are for ipod/ipad/iphone.

You donwload them to your comptuer and sync them to your device.

It has been very successful - not really a dumb idea.

You simply did not understand what the product was.

That's nothing compared to the 'handicap' I have running an eight year old G4 with Tiger OS dating from 2005 in year 2012! I think the answer is the same for the both of us. If we want to run everything then we have to buy new gadgets. Me, I just operate within the framework of what's possible for me with what I have. I just read the fine print before I buy anything to make sure it doesn't say, "You must be running iTunes 10.3 or newer" or something similar. You either reject technology so you simply don't care what they do with computers and electronics because you'll have no part in it; or you buy the newest so it doen't matter as much what changes they make, you can always run the stuff; or you learn how to work with what you have.

I'm wondering why you ignored the requirements that are stated below each iBook:

Silvanus,

As stated, iBooks cannot be read on a Mac.

The best way to read books on a Mac is to download the Kindle app and buy Kindle books from Amazon.

The answer should be obvious why Apple does not have an iBook reader for the Mac, Steve didn't think people would read "books" on their computer (it is awkward and potentially strains the eyes) PLUS doing so could substantially cut down on sales of iPad.

There is a workaround. Simply open your epub books using Adobe Digital Editions. Your eBooks are stored in Music > iTunes > iTunes Media > Books. Right-mouse-click the book you wish to read and open it with Adobe Digital Editions.

Or, to add your eBooks to Adobe Digital Editions, launch ADE and then select Add Item to Library from the Library pull down menu. Go to Music > iTunes > iTunes Media > Books and add the eBooks you wish to read on your Mac.

If you have pdf documents in your iBooks, those will automatically open in Preview.

historiographus wrote:

There is a workaround. Simply open your epub books using Adobe Digital Editions.

Doesn't work with the books I've purchased through iTunes. I just get blank white pages.

Your point that there are specific requirements is not the point. The point is that it can't be read on a computer, where you might have 30" screen to read it from, instead of the 9" ipad.

It's Apple trying to control the world as MS used to. Apple is heading in the same direction for NO apparent reason.

Can't wait till Linux gets to the usability of Apple, then Apple will be bye bye!

I pay for the product, I should be able to watch it wherever I please!