Glad it all worked out! I am sorry I also assumed you had the whole Python thing already...... I am adding links to Python, pycrypto and ADE to my original post, might help others....
I didn't need pycrypto to strip the Kindle books, but apparently it's necessary for ADE books. Also, it's very difficult to get pycrypto installed on OSX. I found this really helpful article, if anyone else is struggling with this: