Narrator Tag Support and Multi-Version Grouping for Audiobooks

[Flest 9]

Disclaimer: I know this is a long-standing request. Since previous threads have been ignored for years, I am presenting a more structured and technically detailed version of the proposal in hopes of finally getting it addressed. 

Background:

Currently, the server does not support the Narrator (or "Read by") metadata tag. This makes it extremely difficult to manage libraries where a single book has multiple versions performed by different narrators.

Proposed Features:

1. Narrator Tag Support

• Add support for reading the Narrator (or Composer/Writer mapping used for narrators) tag from file metadata.

• Display the Narrator on the book's main page (similar to how Artists or Directors are displayed).

• Make the Narrator field searchable and filterable.

2. Multi-Version Support for Audiobooks

• Implement a "Versions" system for audiobooks, similar to how it works for Movies.

• Current Issue: Currently, if there are two versions of the same book (e.g., narrated by Stephen Fry vs. Jim Dale), they either appear as two separate books with identical covers or as one book with doubled tracks.

• Proposed Solution: Allow multiple versions of the same book to be grouped under one single library card. Users should be able to select their preferred narrator/version via a dropdown menu or a "Version" selector on the book page.

Why this is important:

For audiobook listeners, the narrator is as important as the author. Many listeners collect multiple versions of the same title. Proper tag support and grouping would significantly improve the library's organization and user experience, bringing it closer to dedicated audiobook players.

Technical Implementation:

• Mapping tags like WM/Narrator, ©nrt (MP4), or a custom NARRATOR tag.

• Using the existing "Multiple Versions" logic already present in the movie/TV show library.