Book excerpt: This book introduces the reader to a number of ideas and issues that underlie the English law of contract-an area of law that is often regarded as forbiddingly dry and technical but which is here made easy to understand and full of interest. Taking as its starting point the role contract law plays in helping markets to operate, the book explains how contract law regulates the commercial risks people take, while at the same time placing limits on what may be bought and sold, and ensuring that contractual powers are not unacceptably abused. A final chapter discusses how contract law can be used to make gifts of binding promises to other people. The book provides a rigorous and stimulating journey through the ideas underpinning contract law and is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the subject. 'Clearly written and bursting with interesting and novel ideas, this lively book will be a great resource for anyone interested in Contract Law.' Paul S Davies, Professor of Commercial Law, University College London