"Lowndes & Rudolf: The Law of General Average and The York-Antwerp Rules" is a comprehensive legal text written by Richard Cornah and John Reeder, QC, with Julian Cooke serving as the editor. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. General Average in Maritime Law: The book focuses on the principle of general average in maritime law, which is governed by the York-Antwerp Rules. These rules outline the procedures and principles for determining when a general average situation arises and how the costs and benefits are distributed among the parties involved.

2. York-Antwerp Rules: The text provides detailed, section-by-section commentary on the York-Antwerp Rules 2004. It explains the obligations, rights, and entitlements of various parties in a general average situation, both under English law and the York-Antwerp Rules.

3. Historical Approach: The book takes a historical approach, tracing the evolution of the York-Antwerp Rules through their many revisions. This historical perspective helps readers understand the nature and impact of recent changes to the rules.

4. Practical Guidance: The commentary discusses various courses of action open to parties in a general average situation and the effects of these options on rights and liabilities. It also covers the enforcement of rights in general average scenarios.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a narrative plot but rather serves as a legal reference guide. It is structured to provide practical guidance and detailed analysis of the York-Antwerp Rules, making it a valuable resource for legal professionals, insurers, shipowners, and other stakeholders in the maritime industry.

Critical Reception

Given its status as a leading work on the subject, "Lowndes & Rudolf" is widely regarded as a definitive text in the field of maritime law. However, specific critical reviews are not readily available in the provided sources. The book's reputation is built on its comprehensive coverage and historical analysis of the York-Antwerp Rules, making it a trusted resource for practitioners and scholars alike.

Editions

The book has been published in multiple editions, with the 15th edition being the latest. The 14th edition was also available, and both editions provide updated commentary on the York-Antwerp Rules 2004.

Authorship

The authors, Richard Cornah and John Reeder, QC, are recognized experts in maritime law. Julian Cooke serves as the editor, ensuring that the text remains current and authoritative.

In summary, "Lowndes & Rudolf" is a seminal work in maritime law, offering in-depth analysis and practical guidance on the principle of general average and the York-Antwerp Rules. Its historical approach and comprehensive coverage make it an essential resource for anyone involved in maritime legal matters.