An antique tome that has stood the test of time

This is one of those professional texts which everyone remembers from university days, the origins of which go back to the first edition in 1868. It consists of detailed chapters on 45 areas of equity, with an emphasis on trusts, administration of assets and mortgages.

It covers a breadth of material that is of relevance to me –  a legal services and partnership practitioner – such as liens (including solicitors’ liens), estoppel, forfeiture and the whole gamut of equity-related issues which may appear before courts across different practice areas.

In addition to the editor and a general editor, there are eight additional contributors. The fact that it is five years since the last edition, and that 10 people have been involved in drafting this edition, gives a useful insight into the depth of the work.

This is an outstanding practitioner work, which despite different chapters being written by different authors remains readable, lucid and easy to follow. Like many other professional texts, it is unlikely you will read it from cover to cover. It is more likely that you will read it for research purposes, in the context of a thorny problem. The depth of coverage is reassuring. While reviewing it, I dipped into various chapters as practitioner research. But I also read complete chapters on some issues. This is perfect for understanding a nuanced equitable point.

One of the challenges of covering such an array of material is, of course, where do you find it when conducting research? The indexing is very clear and detailed.

This book has stood the test of time for a reason and is a welcome updating of an essential work across many different areas of practice for both solicitors and barristers.

Any practitioner in respect of wills, trusts and probate will note that it is listed as a core book in those disciplines. But for others dealing with wider equitable principles and equitable issues in claims and defences, whether in partnership or in relation to securities or properties, will find this book incredibly useful. It will also be useful to litigators and niche practitioners whose work touches upon equitable issues.

Paul Bennett is a legal services, partnership and regulatory partner with Bennett Briegal LLP