"Lumb & Moens' The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia Annotated" is a comprehensive legal text that provides a detailed, section-by-section annotation of the Constitution of Australia. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book, including key themes, plot summary, and critical reception:

Key Themes

1. Constitutional Annotation: The book focuses on the most important decisions concerning the Commonwealth Constitution, incorporating amendments to the statutes.
2. Section-by-Section Analysis: It provides a unique annotation of the Constitution, elucidating each section with due deference to space and relevance.
3. Historical Context: The book discusses the history of the adoption of the Constitution, offering insights into its structure and evolution.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a narrative plot in the traditional sense but rather serves as a reference text for legal scholars and practitioners. It aims to clarify the interpretation of individual sections of the Commonwealth Constitution through detailed annotations and commentary. The work is designed to be a useful reference for those seeking to understand the constitutional text, including its historical context and significant judicial decisions.

Critical Reception

1. Positive Reception: The book has been well-received for its practical assistance in matters of constitutional interpretation. Experienced authors Gabriël Moens and John Trone have achieved their aim of producing a commentary that is both sound and practical.
2. Usefulness in Legal Education: The text has been a regular offering from Butterworths since 1974 and is likely to continue performing as a useful reference text in Australian law schools and elsewhere.
3. Limitations: While the book is highly regarded, there are deeper questions about its efficacy, such as the timing of its publication. The fifth edition, published in 1995, was criticized for its timing, which might not have captured the most recent developments in constitutional law.

Editions and Updates

The book has been updated to incorporate amendments to the statutes, ensuring that it remains relevant and comprehensive. The latest editions, such as the 7th edition mentioned in one source, continue to focus on the most important decisions concerning the Commonwealth Constitution.

In summary, "Lumb & Moens' The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia Annotated" is a seminal work in Australian constitutional law, providing a detailed and practical guide to understanding the Constitution of Australia. Its critical reception highlights its utility as a reference text, although it may have some limitations in terms of timing and comprehensiveness.