IT’S the fastest-selling autobiography ever, according to Waterstones. And it’s currently outstripping the thrillers of Stieg Larsson at the top of the Amazon sales chart.

But Tony Blair’s much-publicised memoir, A Journey, was slower to fly off the shelves locally.

Nationally, the book was set to sell more copies in one day than Lord Mandelson’s recent and controversial memoir did in three weeks.

Waterstone’s politics buyer, Andrew Lake, said: “You have to look at hugely successful fiction authors, such as Dan Brown or JK Rowling, to find books that have sold more quickly on their first day.”

The memoirs focus on Mr Blair’s decade in Downing Street and took three years to write.

Media interest has been fuelled by the fact that the book lays bare the former prime minister’s rocky relationship with Gordon Brown.

But outside Waterstone’s in Bournemouth, Julian Harding, from Swanage, said: “I wouldn’t waste my money on that.

“We bought the follow-up to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – it’s far more interesting than Tony Blair!”

Pat Wicks, from Bournemouth, added: “I don’t want Tony Blair’s book, no way. I can’t see why he has to do it. I don’t like Brown, but it’s one of those things.”

Husband Ted said: “He worked with Brown for so long, why slag him off now?”

Also passing was AFC Bournemouth player Danny Hollands, 24, who said: “I suppose I’d read it, although I’m not really into that kind of stuff. It could be quite interesting and I’ve heard a lot about it in the news.”

In Bournemouth – a popular venue for political party conferences – Waterstone’s had the book piled high in its windows and staff said a handful of copies had been sold during the morning.

Down the road, WHSmith had it on show inside the front door. Both shops were selling it at half price, £12.50.

Outside Smith’s, Gemma Jones, from Winton, said: “I’ve read a lot about it in the papers, but I’m not rushing out to buy it.”

James Marshall, from Westbourne, added: “I think we already know all we need to about Tony Blair.”

Gemma Kenward, manager at Bookends in Christchurch, said: “The book is on sale at a reduced price as we usually have to follow when they slash their prices over things like this.

“It can be difficult as an independent store but our customers are very loyal.”

In the book, Mr Blair labels Mr Brown “maddening” with “zero” emotional intelligence, but he also speaks of him as an “immense source of strength”.

The former Prime Minister also describes his “anguish” over the Iraq War, but says he did not regret the 2003 invasion.

He also remarks that alcohol became a prop that helped him relax.

The former premier and Labour leader is donating his £4 million advance and royalties to the Royal British Legion.