Poole's Textbook on Contract Law

Robert Merkin is Professor of Law at the University of Reading, Emeritus Professor of Law at the University of Exeter, and Special Counsel to Duncan Cotterill. He has taught the Law of Contract for many years. Robert has written a number of texts and articles on contract, insurance, and arbitration. He is editor of the Journal of Business Law and co-editor of the Lloyd's Law Reports. He was appointed King's Counsel (honoris causa) in 2015 and was awarded a higher doctorate by Cardiff University in the same year. In 2018 Robert became Honorary Life President of the International Association of Insurance Law (AIDA). He was awarded a PhD (honoris causa) by the University of Buckingham in 2024. He has co-edited the book Essays in Memory of Professor Jill Poole: Coherence, Modernisation and Integration in Contract, Commercial and Corporate Laws (Routledge, 2018).Séverine Saintier is Professor in Commercial Law at the Law School at the University of Exeter where she teaches French contract law and commercial law. Prior to Exeter, she held positions at Cardiff University, Sheffield, and Liverpool Universities. She has published extensively in the field of contract law generally, with a particular interest and expertise on good faith and relational contracts. Séverine is co-author with Robert of the Privity chapter in Essays in Memory of Professor Jill Poole: Coherence, Modernisation and Integration in Contract, Commercial and Corporate Laws (Routledge, 2018).

• 1: Introduction to the law of contract Part 1 Formation 2: Agreement 3: Enforceability of promises: consideration and promissory estoppel 4: Intention to be legally bound, formalities, and capacity to contract Part 2 Content, Interpretation, Performance, and Privity 5: Content of the contract and principles of interpretation 6: Exemption clauses and unfair contract terms 7: Privity of contract and third party rights Part 3 Vitiating Factors 8: Mistake 9: Misrepresentation 10: Duress, undue influence, and unconscionable bargains 11: Illegality Part 4 Performance and Termination of Contract 12: Discharge by frustration: subsequent impossibility 13: Breach of contract 14: Damages for breach of contract 15: Remedies providing for specific relief and restitutionary remedies