Adolf Hitler's autobiography and political manifesto Mein Kampf is to be republished in Germany for the first time since 1945. The Institute of Contemporary History (IfZ) in Munich says it will publish up to 4,000 copies of the book with annotations by scholars.

IfZ director Andreas Wirsching said in a statement that the edition will "shatter the myth" surrounding the book, in which Hitler described his anti-Semitic political creed. Jewish groups have called for the German government to bar publication of the book, arguing that it is dangerous.

It was written while Hitler was in jail following a failed coup, and published in 1925, eight years before he came to power.

After the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945, the copyright of the book was passed to the state of Bavaria.

Authorities in the state have barred publication of the text in Germany over concerns it could stir racial hatred. Under German law, the copyright lasts for 70 years, so publishers can freely reproduce the text from January. However German authorities said they will limit access to the text amid fears it could spark neo-Nazi fervour.