George Bush jokes about new approach to domestic policy

During his eight years as the world's most powerful leader, former US president George W Bush was used to giving the orders. Now it seems he's become accustomed to taking them.

In a revealing first look at his life almost 21 months after leaving the White House, Bush confesses that his wife Laura, the former First Lady, quickly crushed any hope he might have had of enjoying a feet-up retirement.

"I said 'Free at last baby' and she says 'You are now free to do the dishes'," he told a sell-out crowd during a lecture at the University of Texas.

"I said 'You are talking to a former president of the United States'. And she said 'Consider it your new domestic policy agenda'."

The former commander-in-chief and one-time Texas governor, 64, was speaking one month ahead of the publication of his new book Decision Points, which will give a personal perspective to many of the events and controversies that laced his presidency.

"This will come as a shock to some people in our country who didn't think I could read a book, much less write one," he joked to his audience.

Bush shared the nostalgic anecdotes during the University of Texas at Tyler's Distinguished Lecture Series, his first appearance since returning to public life to publicise his book.

He plans to give a limited number of interviews, which will lift the lid on life as the US president.