This book, based on English law of contract, considers the development and present state of the doctrine of Privity of Contract with clear references to cases in other major common law jurisdictions (Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore).

The work opens with a history of development of the privity rule and its place in English up to the enactment of the Contract (Right of third parties) Act 1999. The books considers common law and statutory exceptions in detail as well as major statutory exceptions from other jurisdictions. There is also consideration of the operation of the rule with regard to exemption clauses and attempts to impose liabilities and burden on non-parties. A large section of the book considers the rights of a promise where the loss suffered by reason of a breach of contract has been incurred by a third party.

The final chapters consider the position under the Contract (Right of third parties) Act 1999 and look at the international position, considering work undertaken by UNIDROIT.

This book fills a gap for a more thorough examination of the law of privity and is written by two well-known and experienced authors on contract law.