Book excerpt: Doctrinal and critical, Thompson's Modern Land Law looks at the core areas of this subject area through a theoretical lens. The authors excel at explaining difficult rules and concepts clearly but without oversimplification, guiding students around the common pitfalls in areas where there is typically misunderstanding or confusion. Straightforward accounts of the law are underpinned by insightful author commentary on areas of debate, exposing students to critical reasoning. Examples of the context in which land law operates helps students to understand abstract topics and encourages them to appreciate the social importance of this subject.