The book "Company Receivers and Administrators" by James O'Donovan is a comprehensive reference tool in the field of insolvency law, particularly focusing on the roles and practices of company receivers and administrators. Here is a detailed overview:

Key Themes

1. Insolvency Law and Practice: The book delves into the complexities of insolvency law, specifically addressing the roles of company receivers and administrators. It covers various aspects of insolvency administration, including voluntary administration and deeds of company arrangement.
2. Voluntary Administration: A significant theme is the law and practice of voluntary administration, which has been a dominant form of corporate insolvency administration since its inception in 1992. The book provides detailed commentary on this process.
3. Complex Legal Issues: The book offers clear explanations of complex legal issues, making it accessible to insolvency practitioners, lawyers, accountants, and students. It is designed to be a convenient and accessible resource for everyday use in court or at meetings of directors or creditors.

Plot Summary

The book does not follow a narrative plot but rather presents a structured reference guide. It includes:

• Detailed Commentary: The author provides in-depth commentary on the complex areas of insolvency law, including voluntary administration and deeds of company arrangement.
• Case Law and Legislation Updates: The book is designed to be updated regularly, ensuring that readers have access to the latest case law and legislation changes. This is facilitated by consistent paragraph numbering, allowing users to easily cross-reference between the book and its subscription edition.

Critical Reception

While there is no specific critical reception available in the search results, the book is widely recognized as a standard reference in the field of insolvency law. Its reputation is built on the expertise of its author, Professor James O'Donovan, who is a leading insolvency expert and a respected author in the Thomson Reuters series. His background as a Professor of Law, Barrister, and Solicitor adds credibility to the content, making it a trusted resource for professionals and students in the field.

Edition and Publication

The book has been published in multiple editions, with the second edition being particularly notable. The first edition was published in 1981, and subsequent editions have been updated to reflect changes in case law and legislation. The book is available in both loose-leaf and bound formats, with the loose-leaf version being designed for easy updating.

Author Background

Professor James O'Donovan is a renowned expert in insolvency law. He is Special Counsel at Lavan Legal, a Perth-based law firm, and holds various legal qualifications, including being a Professor of Law at the University of Western Australia. His extensive experience and credentials make him an authoritative voice in the field of insolvency law.