Cretney: Principles of Family Law, 8th edition

The arrival of the eighth edition of the definitive text book on family law, Cretney's Principles of Family Law landed on my desk with the weighty thud which I have come to know and love since my early days as a law student.

The now all-women team who produce the book (Dr Stephen Cretney bowed out after the seventh edition) combine the intellectual prowess of three impressive academics, but also benefit from the fact that Professor Rebecca Bailey-Harris is a seasoned barrister. Because of the 'dream team' nature of the authors, the reader can be safe in the knowledge that this is the bible on family law and the academic version of the 'Red Book'.

The sheer size of the book and the dense typeface comforts, rather than intimates, the reader, as the thorough analysis of all aspects of family law means that it caters both for ancillary relief and children practitioners as well as the aspiring family lawyer/conscientious law student. The introduction provides a helpful guide on how to read the book, but the expansive and detailed index means that it is easy to quickly access the information you need.

As with previous editions, the book has been updated to not only reflect the key legislative changes in the law, but also to provide a comprehensive analysis of the most significant cases. Perhaps most helpfully, it also includes a number of cases which might have escaped the busy practitioner's notice, but may prove useful when arguing a particularly technical or clever point.

It is also recommended essential reading for people who are interested in the historical development of the law or are seeking a penetrative analysis and commentary.

No self-respecting practitioner or law student can afford to be without this book.