This third edition of the modern classic Zweigert & Kotz's Introduction to Comparative Law is fully revised and updated, but its familiar structure and easy style remain the same. The book first discusses the nature of Comparative Law, its functions, aims, methods and history, and then it surveys the main features of the major legal families of the world. In the second part it provides a model of comparative law in action, comparing, contrasting and evaluating the different approaches and solutions of the major legal systems. As well as offering an excellent grounding in comparative private law, this book is an essential base for further research.

PART I Abbreviations Table of Cases A. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 1. The Concept of Comparative Law 2. The Functions and Aims of Comparative Law 3. The Method of Comparative Law 4. The History of Comparative Law B. THE LEGAL FAMILIES OF THE WORLD 5. The Style of Legal Families I. THE ROMANISTIC LEGAL FAMILY 6. The History of French Law 7. The Spirit and Essential Features of the Code Civil 8. The Reception of the Code Civil 9. Courts and Lawyers in France and Italy BII. THE GERMANIC LEGAL FAMILY 10. The History of German Law 11. The German Civil Code 12. The General Civil Code of Austria 13. The Swiss Civil Code III. THE ANGLO-AMERICAN LEGAL FAMILY 14. The Development of the English Common Law 15. Courts and Lawyers in England 16. The Spread of the Common Law Throughout the World 17. The Law of the United States of America 18. Law-Finding and Procedure in Common Law and Civil Law IV. THE NORDIC LEGAL FAMILY 19. Scandinavian Law, Past and Present V. LAW IN THE FAR EAST 20. Chinese Law 21. Japanese Law VI. RELIGIOUS LEGAL SYSTEMS 22. Islamic Law 23. Hindu Law PART II A. CONTRACT I. THE FORMATION OF CONTRACTS 24. Juristic Act, Contract, and General Conditions of Business 25. Contractual Capacity 26. Offer and Acceptance 27. Illegality and Immorality 28. Indicia of Seriousness 29. The Construction of Contracts 30. Mistake, Deceit, and Duress 31. Representation 32. Assignment 33. Contracts for the Benefit of Third Parties II. THE PERFORMANCE OF CONTRACTS 34. Claims to Performance and Their Enforcement 35. Breach of Contract 36. The Effect of Supervening Events B. UNJUSTIFIED ENRICHMENT 37. Unjustified Enrichment in General 38. Unjustified Enrichment Specific Topics C. TORT 39. Tort in General 40. Liability for others 41. Strict Liability 42. Invasions of the Right of Personality

Konrad Zweigert , Late Director, Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Private Law, Hamburg, Hein Kotz , Director, Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Private Law, Hamburg

`This is an excellent guide to legal systems of the world, for both students and lawyers ... because of its rich content and its ability to shrink a rather large body of information into a succinct one-volume publication.' American Society of International Law Newsletter |d 05/10/2000