diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py b/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py
index e4073a01c9..99d435c913 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py
@@ -76,7 +76,10 @@ class SearchBox2(QComboBox): # {{{
         c.setCompletionMode(c.PopupCompletion)
         c.highlighted[QString].connect(self.completer_used)
         c.activated[QString].connect(self.history_selected)
-
+        self.esc_action = QAction(self)
+        self.addAction(self.esc_action)
+        self.esc_action.setShortcut(QKeySequence(Qt.Key_Escape))
+        self.esc_action.triggered.connect(self.esc)
         self.line_edit.key_pressed.connect(self.key_pressed, type=Qt.DirectConnection)
         self.activated.connect(self.history_selected)
         self.setEditable(True)
@@ -91,6 +94,9 @@ class SearchBox2(QComboBox): # {{{
         self._in_a_search = False
         self.tool_tip_text = self.toolTip()
 
+    def esc(self, *args):
+        self.clear()
+
     def initialize(self, opt_name, colorize=False, help_text=_('Search')):
         self.as_you_type = config['search_as_you_type']
         self.opt_name = opt_name