diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/main.py b/src/calibre/gui2/main.py
index d0260d7ad5..c55b1873b5 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/main.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/main.py
@@ -1198,7 +1198,7 @@ path_to_ebook to the database.
             return 1
         sys.excepthook = main.unhandled_exception
         if len(args) > 1:
-            main.add_filesystem_book(args)
+            main.add_filesystem_book(args[1])
         return app.exec_()
     return 0