The Nintendo DS may have planted its roots firmly in the gaming sphere, but publishers have been increasingly keen on stocking its library with a medley of educational fare. Soon, publishers of a more traditional sort will also be porting their wares to the device.

　　The Times of London reports today that Nintendo has partnered with preeminent book publisher HarperCollins to bring a slate of literary classics to the DS. Labeled The 100 Classic Book Collection, the software will reportedly include works from Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and the Bronte sisters. Details on the title's interface weren't expounded upon, though The Times did note that users will turn pages by way of the DS's touch screen.

　　Nintendo will initially be offering the software only in Britain, though it may expand into other regions pending demand. The 100 Classic Book Collection is expected to arrive in the British Isle on December 26 and will retail for £20 ($30).

　　Nintendo's portable is hardly the first tech-driven device to play home to conventional literature. Earlier this year, Amazon debuted its handheld reader, the Kindle. The popular device, which remains in short supply, allows Amazon shoppers to purchase books and subscribe to newspapers through the company's Web site. Rival game maker Sony also recently debuted the Sony Reader, which offers a host of downloadable titles through Waterstones.com.