diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/actions/edit_metadata.py b/src/calibre/gui2/actions/edit_metadata.py
index 7a1e589d2a..f0232d9859 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/actions/edit_metadata.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/actions/edit_metadata.py
@@ -51,7 +51,8 @@ class EditMetadataAction(InterfaceAction):
                 self.merge_books)
         mb.addSeparator()
         mb.addAction(_('Merge into first selected book - keep others'),
-                partial(self.merge_books, safe_merge=True))
+                partial(self.merge_books, safe_merge=True),
+                Qt.AltModifier+Qt.Key_M)
         self.merge_menu = mb
         self.action_merge.setMenu(mb)
         md.addSeparator()
diff --git a/src/calibre/manual/gui.rst b/src/calibre/manual/gui.rst
index e9573e91be..aa49c51b76 100644
--- a/src/calibre/manual/gui.rst
+++ b/src/calibre/manual/gui.rst
@@ -345,6 +345,8 @@ Calibre has several keyboard shortcuts to save you time and mouse movement. Thes
       - Show book details
     * - :kbd:`M` 
       - Merge selected records
+    * - :kbd:`Alt+M` 
+      - Merge selected records, keeping originals
     * - :kbd:`O` 
       - Open containing folder
     * - :kbd:`S`