The Institute of Contemporary History of Munich (IFZ) had been planning to print only 4,000 copies of its annotated version of Adolf Hitler's anti-Semitic diatribe.

But already on the first day of its sale Friday, "15,000 copies had been pre-ordered" by bookstores, said Simone Paulmichl, IFZ spokeswoman.

Those who have placed orders must "expect some delay" before receiving their copies, she said, adding however that she was unable to say how many of the books, which are retailing at 59 euros ($65) each, have actually been sold.

"The bookstores are telling us that there are many historians or scientists" buying the book for educational purposes.

"But it also appeals to a wider public of people who are interested in politics and history in general" and who want to read what Hitler actually wrote, said Paulmichl.