The common law is one of two major and successful systems of law developed in Western Europe, and in one form or another is now in force not only in the country of its origin but also in the United States and large parts of the British Commonwealth and former parts of the Empire. Perhaps its most typical product is English contract law, developed continuously since the birth of the common law almost wholly by judicial decision. Although in its modern form primarily a product of the nineteenth century, the common law of contract as we know it developed around the action of assumpsit which evolved at the close of the fourteenth century, and many of its characteristic doctrines first emerged in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This book, which takes the story up to 1677 (the date of statute of frauds) forms the first part of the history of contract law, and is written primarily from a doctrinal standpoint.

Brilliantly written, even by the high standards of the popular Invitations series, this book offers an engaging introduction to law for the rapidly increasing number of students, both at school and beyond, who enrol in law courses.Law is something which surrounds us all from birth. As children we acquire an understanding of right and wrong, Robin Hood, highwaymen and outlaws, cops and robbers and as we grow older we begin to understand that government is also based on principles of law. Though everyday life may rarely if ever have brought most citizens into contact with criminal law, motoring law apart, few can have escaped involvement of one kind or another with such laws as tax laws, the laws saying when shops may open, and at what age you may purchase liquor.Professor Simpson's book is an illuminating guide to the pervasiveness and intricacies of law and an ideal invitation for those interested in its mechanics, purposes and functions. It is a thorough guide to a mysterious and complex institution and profession.

This classic work (formerly entitled An Introduction to the History of Land Law) has been thoroughly revised with some chapters rewritten to bring it completely up to date. It is available for the first time in paperback.