Customer Reviews

Contracts in a Nutshell (Nutshell Series)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book during my first year of law school and was grateful for its clear, concise explanations and numerous examples. Since then, I have referred to Contracts in a Nutshell many times in the context of both academic and professional research. At present, I find that many excerpts are even suitable for teaching basic principles of contract law to students in non-law-related fields. But of course, its primary purpose remains dispelling the mysteries of contract law for 1st years and sweeping the cobwebs from the bar-taker's storeroom of legal knowledge.

With the Nutshell series, it's hit and miss. Some are excellent, others mediocre, and some downright duds. The Contracts installment falls in the first category. Concepts are introduced and explained succinctly and coherently. The book also includes questions for each section and suggested answers. I found it very useful for reinforcing concepts discussed in class. Farnsworth's treatise was also helpful.

This book is as simple as it gets. Contract law is one of the more complex subjects in law school. Any material that adds complexity to an already challenging subject has little value especially to 1L's and even bar candidates. Understanding the basics of the subject is crucial. That is why this book stands out from the rest. I have read the casebook, a hornbook in this jurisdiction as well as various textbooks in a foreign jurisdiction. "Contracts in a Nutshell" gives the simplest explanation of the law by far. It is a must read indeed!

The book has an excellent presentation of the theory of contracts. The six main categories are described initially and explained in the ensuing text. These categories consist of:
1. Express contracts consisting of the standard offer-acceptance
and consideration trilogy
2. Implied in fact contracts distinguished by conduct rather than
by express words
3. Promissory estoppel referred to as detrimental reliance
4. Subsequent promises to perform pre-existing obligations
5. A minority theory of imposing liability based upon a subsequent promise to pay for material benefits previously conferred.
6. Implied in law quasi-contracts which are non-consensual obligations

The theory of an offer arouses an expectation in the mind of a
reasonable person. Such an expectation may create a power of
acceptance in the offeree. An offer must be sufficiently certain
to make any resulting agreement enforceable and damages calculable. The offer must be certain as to the parties, subject matter, price and time of performance. An offer in which the
offeror or offering party promises to do or not to do something in exchange for a promise by the offeree to act is an offer for
a bilateral or two-sided contract. Further details as to
bargained exchanges, the statute of frauds and a whole host
of complicating factors are set forth simply with a generous
sprinkling of stare decisis cases to illustrate the legal
points explained. The text will be helpful for law students,journalists, constitutional scholars and a whole host of
other constituencies in academe.

This text is a good supplement to the standard legal texts on contract law. It is well worth the price charged.

Some time around mid-semester, I was hopelessly lost and confused in my contracts last. In my despair, I bought this book. It opened up my eyes and lifted the fog of contracts for me. My final grade in the class was much better than I hoped for and I have to partly thank this book for that. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is that it is useful for bare bones knowledge of contracts, and shouldn't be used to replace attending class and taking good notes.

I got this book halfway through the semester when I realized I didn't understand anything that was going on in my contracts class. It's easy to understand and very helpful. The sample questions at the back were really useful, too. I haven't gotten my exam grade back yet, but I'm positive that this book helped me get a better grade than I would have received without it.

When I bought this book, I thought I was buying the title "Government Contracts in a Nutshell. However what I rec'd was "Contracts in a Nutshell" and this is not at all the book I needed. I am very disappointed and don't know what my options are for returns. Any help?

This is the only supplement I used for assignments besides the rules. However for outlining it is useful, but Emanuel fares better. As with any Nutshell book, coverage is spotty at times, but the quick and easy understanding is all that is needed before delving into assignments.

If looking for a fully extensive and in-depth treatment of Contracts, use E&E. Our professor is straightforward so this was the only coverage needed.

The price is right, the book is formatted correctly and includes hyperlinks to chapters and topics within chapters. The material is on par with the other commercial outline/study aids I've used or seen. For a law student in the market for a kindle-friendly study aid, this book is a safe bet.

Please don't misunderstand the somewhat restrained praise I have for this book: I only just got it today and haven't identified any areas where the text is weak or short on detail. They could be out there, but my initial impression is that this is a great product in a very convenient format that definitely deserves 4 stars. I only wish I could speak more firmly on the book's content without misleading anyone.

Contracts in a Nutshell, true to its name, is very useful in learning an understanding the basic principles of Contract law. I recommend that someone interested in Contracts read it and Contracts Examples & Explanations.