The book "Equity and Trusts" by J. G. Riddall is a comprehensive textbook that delves into the principles and complexities of equity and trusts in law. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Principles of Trusts: The book covers the fundamental principles of trusts, including the creation, administration, and termination of trusts.
2. Equity: It provides an in-depth explanation of equity, its role in the legal system, and how it interacts with common law.
3. Trustee Duties: The book explores the duties and responsibilities of trustees, including fiduciary duties and the standard of care required.
4. Trustee Powers: It discusses the powers and limitations of trustees, including their ability to manage trust assets and make decisions.
5. Trustee Remuneration: The book addresses issues related to the remuneration of trustees, including fees and expenses.
6. Trustee Liability: It examines the potential liabilities of trustees, including breach of duty and negligence.
7. Constructive Trusts: The book covers the concept of constructive trusts, which are imposed by the court to prevent unjust enrichment.
8. Resulting Trusts: It discusses resulting trusts, which arise when a trust fails or is incomplete.
9. Bare Trusts: The book explains bare trusts, which are simple trusts where the trustee has no discretion over the trust assets.
10. Equitable Remedies: It covers various equitable remedies such as specific performance, injunctions, and rectification.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a narrative plot but rather a structured presentation of legal concepts. It begins with an introduction to the principles of equity and trusts, followed by detailed chapters on the creation, administration, and termination of trusts. Each chapter is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the legal principles and their practical applications.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the search results, the book is described as "highly acclaimed" in multiple sources, indicating a positive reception among legal scholars and students. The detailed and structured approach to explaining complex legal concepts is likely to be appreciated by those studying equity and trusts.

Editions and Availability

The book is available in various editions, including a second edition, which suggests that it has been widely used and updated to reflect changes in the law. It can be found in both new and used copies through online bookstores like AbeBooks and The Portobello Bookshop.

Additional Resources

For further information, readers can refer to other resources such as the National Library of Australia, which lists the book under J.G. Riddall's works, and EBSCO Locate, which provides additional details about the book's content.