The runaway success of two books written by Barack Obama has propelled their independent Edinburgh publisher to a record turnover of £7.35 million in six months.

Canongate acquired the rights to Dreams From My Father and The Audacity of Hope three years ago, shortly before Mr Obama’s campaign for the US Presidency hit its stride.

As Mr Obama emerged as the prime Democratic candidate and then favourite for the White House, the works became indispensable in bookshop displays across Britain and the Commonwealth.

Jamie Byng, the owner of Canongate, acknowledged that the “Barack bounce” was likely to benefit his business for some time. Profits rose last year by more than 850 per cent to reach £2.6 million. “Not only are his books of great quality and importance, but they look set to sell for many years to come,” he said.

Canongate also scored a significant success with the publication of Yann Martel’s Life of Pi, which won the Booker Prize seven years ago.

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