Sarkozy book is French summer hit

Nicholas Sarkozy's book discusses his marriage as well as his politics

French booksellers are reporting a surprise summer hit - a book of political philosophy by conservative Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy.

The book, Testimony, is already in its fifth reprint only two weeks after going on sale.

Mr Sarkozy, a front-runner in the race to become French president, uses the book to set out his political views.

He also discusses his much-publicised marital problems and pays tribute to current President Jacques Chirac.

Mr Sarkozy's publisher, Bernard Fixot from XO Editions, said more than 275,000 copies of the book had now been published.

People want to get to know him better, to read a personal book, where he explains who he is, how he works Bernard Fixot XO Editions

"I thought it would be a success, but this is completely beyond my expectations. It's colossal," Mr Fixot told Le Figaro newspaper.

"(Sarkozy) has a 50-50 chance of being the next president. People want to get to know him better, to read a personal book, where he explains who he is, how he works.

"The book isn't a political programme - more a kind of 'cards on the table'."

Another possible French presidential candidate, the socialist Segolene Royale, is expected to launch her book later this year.

Latest polls suggest that Ms Royale is trailing Mr Sarkozy by the narrowest of margins in the race to become president in elections due next year.