British book fanatics will soon be able to get their hands on Amazon's popular Kindle electronic book reader, after the company unveiled an international version of the gadget.

In an announcement today, Amazon boss Jeff Bezos said the Kindle will be available worldwide on October 19, selling through the company's American website and shipping to the UK for $279 (£175) - although import duties will push the price up to around £200.

Although customers will have to order from the United States for the time being, Bezos said in a note to British customers on Amazon.co.uk that the gadget would eventually be sold through the company's British outlet.

"In the future, we plan to introduce a UK-centric Kindle experience, enabling you to purchase Kindle and Kindle books in sterling from our Amazon.co.uk site," he said.

The Kindle offers readers the chance to carry up to 1,500 books simultaneously, reading them on a 6-inch electronic ink screen and using the built-in wireless access - now compatible with Europe's 3G networks - to browse catalogues and download books without plugging in to a computer.

The device became a surprise hit after it went on sale in the US just under two years ago. A second, more popular version was launched earlier this year to much acclaim and experts have suggested that Amazon has sold hundreds of thousands in America alone.

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