An Introduction to European Contract Law

This book presents an outline of the emerging multi-level system of contract law in Europe and discusses the law of contract at national, European, and international levels but in an integrated, horizontal fashion. At the national level the focus is mainly, but not exclusively, on English, French and German law, while at the European level both the acquis communautaire and Common Frame of Reference are carefully analysed. At the international level the author concentrates on the Vienna Sales Convention (CISG) as the central instrument and special attention is paid to the dynamic of the Europeanisation process throughout. The main horizontal issues addressed in the book include: formation, validity, standard terms, interpretation and contents, contract and third parties, supervening events, and non performance and remedies. The book is not limited to a mere discussion of the ‘black letter law’; instead, subjects are placed, where relevant, in the light of the theoretical insights gained from contract theory, and economic and political analysis.