The rules of land law are numerous, complex, and in some cases baffling to students and the study of land law is also often portrayed as dull. Too frequently those who find success in working out how the law operates in other areas find themselves defeated by land law. Even the great jurist Blackstone apparently succumbed to the depressing conclusion that the study of land law 'afforded the student less amusement and pleasure in the pursuit' than the study of crime and tort.This book tries to make a difference. It aims to tell the rules' story: to talk about them in terms of the work they do, in a way that will allow readers to understand and engage with them. And through the examples it offers, it aims also to give students the confidence, spur and tools to go on to develop such perspectives for themselves.The book covers the main points of land law found in the syllabuses of law schools in England and Wales. While it is not intended as a comprehensive textbook on the topic, it offers sufficient detail for anyone reading it to gain an overview of the subject, and for those seeking more the footnotes offer plenty of pointers.As one reader of the first edition commented, 'it shone light where none had shone before, and lit a clear path to understanding'.'I was truly in the last chance saloon, facing the prospect of not only failing again but simultaneously wrecking my aspirations to complete the entire course successfully...my marks needed significant improvement. Mr Gardner's book was invaluable, it shone light where none had fallen before, and lit a clear path to understanding. It was a stimulus to critical thought, and the good news is that I passed' Law Student, Manchester Metropolitan University.'Well written and clear. A great introduction'Mika Oldham, Jesus College, Cambridge'Really aids comprehension of the subject'Elizabeth Hall, University of Lincoln'An excellent introduction. Many students will no doubt buy it'Matthew Conaglen, Trinity Hall, Cambridge' A very clear and interesting way into a complex subject'David Gregory, Kingston University'Up to date, reasonably priced, accessible, and a beautiful physical article!'Maggie Conway, London Metropolitan University

About the Author
Simon Gardner is a Fellow and Tutor in Law at Lincoln College, Oxford. He has written extensively on land law and is also the author of An Introduction to the Law of Trusts, 2nd edn (OUP, 2003).

Table of Contents
PART 1 THE BASIC IDEAS 1 Rights in Rem 2 When are Disponees Bound? 3 Consenting Out of a Right PART 2 ACQUISITION 5 Contracts to Confer 6 Adverse Possession and Prescription 7 Proprietary Estoppel 8 Constructive Trusts PART 3 THE RIGHTS 9 Easements 10 Restrictive Covenants 11 Leases12 Mortgages 13 Trust Rights14 Trust Rights 15 Licences