Jan 21, 2009 (DVB), A recently-published compilation of interviews with inspirational figures in Burma has become a bestseller across the country, despite a general slump in book sales.

Booksellers in Rangoon said the book, entitled Legend of the Steps, is priced at 4,500 kyat and contains interviews with successful and influential people from the business and political communities and the arts.

Among those interviewed are the abbot of Shwe Pyi Hein monastery, artist Min Wei Aung, photographer Zaw Min Yu, violinist Tin Yee, Knowledge Management and Dedication group founder Thaung Tin and the owner of Seiktinekya teashop.

The interviews were conducted by famous Burmese writers including Nay Win Myint, Kyaw Yin Myint, Maung Ko Ko (Amarapura) and Sithu Aung Myint.

A bookshop owner in Rangoon said the book had already sold out in his shop.

"We don’t have a single copy left in the shop to tell you exactly what's in it," said the bookshop owner.

"The book also included interviews with brigadier-general Abel, astrologer San Zarni Bo, Dr Khin Maung Win, the owner of the YKKO noodle shop and many others."

Kyaw Yin Myint, one of the contributors, told DVB the book had become popular with readers because the interview subjects were such inspirational figures.

"All of the people interviewed in the book are interesting and respectable figures who started with nothing and made a success of their lives through pure effort," he said.

Kyaw Yin Myint said the publisher was intending to donate the profits from the sale of the book to charity.

The book market in Burma has been slow for some time due to the declining economic conditions in the country.

Reporting by Shwe Aung