<p>Draws together in single volume key issues relating to the formation and variation of contracts, focusing on the rules for their existence and validity<br />
Brings together topics that are of fundamental importance to practitioners advising on the negotiation or validity of contracts, but on which there is no up-to-date specialist work<br />
Traces the continuing development of the rules, as a response to changes within the English law of contract and to learn from developments being made in other legal systems<br />
Highlights areas of contract law where there is likely to be significant debate about possible development in the coming years<br />
Provides a perspective on the rules for the formation of contracts from an international and comparative dimension<br />
Includes discussion throughout the book of difficult issues relating to contract formation as they arise in practice<br />
Part I is devoted to pre-contractual negotiations (including remedies where negotiations fail to reach agreement) and finding the agreement through offer and acceptance<br />
Part II is devoted to formalities, both in general and in contract in particular, including contracts for the sale of land, consumer contracts, contracts of guarantee and deeds<br />
Part III is devoted to the requirement of consideration (which gives contract its character as a ?bargain? in the common law), both in the formation of a contract, and in the variation of an existing contract<br />
Part IV is devoted to promissory estoppel, both its traditional role in the modification of a contract and its potential to develop in English law (noting how other common law jurisdictions such as the US and Australia have developed it)</p>
