Legal Research

Chitty

By scott

Joseph Chitty releases his latest update of his legal book all about contracts. This is the 30th edition of the book, which he first published in 1826. I believe Mr Chitty is a vampire, which explains why he is still writing updates to his book 182 years after he published the first edition. Still, in between being a bloodsucker, it is nice to know that he still has time for keeping up-to-date with the English legal system.

So, what’s new you ask since the 29th Edition? Well, it still comes in two volumes: Volume 1: General Principles (otherwise known as the one that is always missing from your library shelf) and Volume 2: Specific Contracts (otherwise known as the one that is always still on your library shelf).

As you might expect Mr Chitty has managed to pack much more into the latest edition, so volume 1 runs for 2261 pages (as opposed to a mere 1967 in the 29th edition) , whilst volume 2 runs to 1928 (1785 in the 29th Edition). I should say here, that even back in the day, Mr C was not short of a word or two as this 3rd Edition (often cited at the classic edition) attests to. Only one volume needed back then, but still a respectable 976 pages

The Book cover is still grey with a “knobbly, elephant-skin-like” feel (copyright Jaffne), but the nice racing green of Edition 29 has been ditched in favour of a kind of Red/Orange colour for the faux name plate in Edition 30.

The actual content is - of course - the most important thing. Is the high standard, that this indispensable publication has been renowned for, still ever present? Let us not forget this has been called by more than one, the legal practitioners’ bible. Well, let me give you a flavour of the delights inside, and let you decide.

“abuse of confidence is outside the cope of this chapter” (Vol 1, page 629)

“Where the constituent elements of a claimant’s case are capable of being put either in terms of a claim in tort or for breach of contracts, the general rule is that the claimant may choose” (Vol 1, page 84) - Personally, I would always choose to claim some Tort, and if pushed would go for Chocolate Truffle Tort, although, in principle, any Tort would suffice.

Just like the real bible, it is a book that is best used for random quotes to make a point, and not read cover to cover when it does tend to get a little repetitive and could be described as a little dry. Personally as few more parable style entries would have probably improved things and widened the readership a bit, but guess Mr Chitty doesn’t want to mess with a winning formula. Still, for those, who would rather wait until the film, I do believe Oliver Stone has bought the film rights, and will begin filming the first Volume in the new year. No word yet on casting. I can however confirm that the film will not be featuring a scene where a cool gang - think Ocean’s 11 (Clooney version) - try to blow the doors off a vehicle that contains the original proofs of the latest volumes. Yes, it will not be called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Also expect the abridged (film tie-in) paperback edition to be out next year.

For those who can not wait, take this chance to spend £428 and give the one you love Chitty for Xmas this year.

Full post as published by Information Overload on November 25, 2008 (boomark / email).