How to Use Classic Atlas
Classic Atlas is designed to make the world's greatest books easy to explore, even if you have never read a classic before. Whether you are looking for a quick, meaningful read or a deep dive into history, this guide will show you how to get the most out of the site.
Getting Started
You don't need to create an account or sign in. Simply open the site and start browsing.
The homepage shows a selection of books you can explore. From there, you can search or use the discovery system to find books that match your interests.
> Tip: If you are not sure what you want to read, try the four-pillar discovery system to explore by genre, themes, mood, or curiosity.
The Four-Pillar Discovery System
Classic Atlas organises books in four different ways, letting you discover reading based on what matters to you.
Genre
Browse by the type of book you're in the mood for:
- Fiction — Novels, short stories, and narrative works
- Philosophy — Explorations of fundamental questions
- History — Accounts of past events and eras
- Science — Scientific inquiry and discovery
- Poetry — Verse and poetic expression
- Drama — Plays and theatrical works
- And more...
Themes
Explore the big ideas that books engage with:
- Power & Government — How societies justify authority
- Rights & Freedom — Where modern rights come from
- Human Nature — What drives people
- Love & Relationships — Romance, family, and connection
- Money & Class — Wealth, poverty, and social status
- And more...
Reading Mood
Find books that match how you want to feel:
- Light & Entertaining — Easy, enjoyable reads
- Dark & Serious — Heavy themes and somber tone
- Thought-Provoking — Makes you think deeply
- Hopeful & Inspiring — Uplifting and motivating
- Philosophical — Deep intellectual exploration
- And more...
Curiosity
Discover books based on questions you want to answer:
- Understand society — How communities and civilizations work
- Understand myself — Self-knowledge and introspection
- Understand power — How authority and influence operate
- Understand love — Romance, passion, and connection
- Understand history — How the past shapes the present
- And more...
Using the Discovery System
Click on any of the four pillar tabs (Genre, Themes, Reading Mood, Curiosity) to see the available options. Then click on one or more options to filter the book list.
Selecting Multiple Options
You can select as many options as you like. For example, you might choose:
- Genre: Fiction and Philosophy
- Themes: Human Nature
The book list will update to show titles that match your selections, and the count will show how many books are available.
Clearing Filters
Click the Clear button to remove all filters and return to browsing all books.
Using Search
The search bar lets you search by:
- Book title
- Author name
- Subject
- Big ideas (for example, "freedom" or "justice")
As you type, suggestions appear to help you discover related books and topics.
Understanding Book Pages
Each book page gives you the information you need to decide if a book is right for you.
You'll see:
- Why it matters today — How the book connects to modern life
- Big ideas — The main themes in simple language
- Reader fit — Who is most likely to enjoy this book
- Read on Project Gutenberg — Link to read the full text
These sections help you decide whether a book is right for you before you start reading.
> Note: We currently have detailed AI insights for a selection of popular and influential titles. We're actively reviewing and analysing more books to add these helpful summaries.
Pro Tips
> Use the pillars together
Combining different pillars is a powerful way to find exactly what you're looking for. Try selecting a genre and a mood together.
> Explore by curiosity
If you're not sure what genre you want, start with the Curiosity pillar. Ask yourself what question you want answered, and let that guide your discovery.
> Follow related themes
Book pages often link to similar ideas and subjects. Follow them to build your own reading path.
Classic Atlas is built to help you explore without pressure. Take your time, follow your curiosity, and enjoy discovering the ideas that shaped the world.