Book excerpt: The advance of the global media, whether by satellite, wire or Internet, has created unprecedented opportunities for publishers and journalists. The diversity of libel laws around the world makes international publishing a legal quagmire. This book charts a way through the problems international journalists face, and reconciles some of the different laws affecting what they write. The International Libel Handbook explains and compares the law in eight countries with expert contributions from leading lawyers in each one. The countries covered are: Australia, Canada, England and Wales, France, Germany, India, Japan and United States of America. Two general chapters, a comparative treatment of libel law and an invaluable chapter on risk management will help journalists and other professional writers tackle the practical problems which face them every day. This is an essential handbook which every busy editor should have within reaching distance of their desk. Nick Braithwaite is a lawyer with Clifford Chance, London. Covers libel law as it affects journalists in eight major countries including the USA, Australia, England and Japan Gives practical advice and explanation of laws affecting the media written by leading lawyers in each country An essential book which every busy editor should have within reaching distance of their desk