"Essays on Damages" is a collection of essays edited by Paul D. Finn, published in 1992 by Law Book Co. in Sydney. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

The book focuses on various aspects of damages in the context of tort law. It explores the principles, theories, and practical applications of damages in legal proceedings. Key themes include:

• Principles of Compensation: The book delves into the fundamental principles of compensation in tort law, examining how damages are assessed and awarded to victims of personal injury and other tortious acts.
• Monetary Remedies: It discusses the different measures of damages, including general and exceptional categories, and how these remedies intersect and overlap in legal practice.
• Historical and Theoretical Perspectives: The essays provide historical context and theoretical insights into the development of the law of damages, including critiques of landmark cases like Rookes v Barnard.

Plot Summary

Given that "Essays on Damages" is a collection of essays rather than a narrative work, there is no plot summary in the traditional sense. Instead, the book presents a series of scholarly articles and analyses written by various contributors, all edited by Paul D. Finn. These essays cover a range of topics related to damages, including:

• Assessment of Damages: Contributions like S. M. Waddams' "The Principles of Compensation" in Paul Finn (ed), Essays on Damages (1992) provide detailed discussions on the principles and practices of assessing damages.
• Historical Development: The book includes essays that trace the historical development of the law of damages, highlighting significant cases and legislative changes.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews of the book are not readily available in the search results, the critical reception can be inferred from the academic context in which it was published. The book is part of a series of scholarly works edited by Paul D. Finn, which suggests a high level of academic rigor and respect within the legal community. The inclusion of contributions from prominent scholars like S. M. Waddams further underscores the book's credibility and relevance in the field of tort law.

Availability

The book is available in various academic libraries, including the Vanderbilt University Library, the Supreme Court Library of Queensland, and the Columbia Law Library. It can also be accessed online through some of these libraries.

In summary, "Essays on Damages" is a comprehensive and authoritative collection of scholarly essays on the law of damages, edited by Paul D. Finn. It provides a deep dive into the principles, theories, and historical development of damages in tort law, making it a valuable resource for legal scholars and practitioners.