"Land Law" by Peter Butt is a comprehensive textbook that has undergone several editions, each providing an in-depth exploration of the subject. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Introduction to Land Law: The book begins with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of land law, including the sources of New South Wales law and terminology.
2. Land and Its Limits: Chapter 2 delves into the vertical and horizontal limits of land, setting the stage for a detailed examination of various aspects of land law.
3. Leases, Easements, and Incorporeal Hereditaments: Chapters 15 to 18 provide detailed accounts of leases, easements, and other incorporeal hereditaments, including covenants affecting freehold land and mortgages.
4. Torrens Title and Strata Title: The book covers the historical and substantive aspects of Torrens Title and Strata Title, which are crucial components of modern land law in Australia.
5. Prescription and Limitation, Crown Lands, and Rent Control: The concluding chapters discuss prescription and limitation, crown lands, and rent control, providing a comprehensive view of the security of tenure in land law.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a narrative plot in the traditional sense. Instead, it is structured as a textbook, with each chapter focusing on a specific aspect of land law. The content is organized to provide a clear and systematic understanding of the subject, making it a valuable resource for students and legal professionals.

Critical Reception

1. Initial Reception: The first edition, titled "Introduction to Land Law," was published in 1980. The second edition, published in 1988, expanded on the treatment of some areas of present-day land law and delved more deeply into the history behind land law.
2. Subsequent Editions: The book has undergone several revisions, with the seventh edition being published in 2017. The revisions have maintained the book's reputation as a comprehensive and authoritative text in the field of land law.
3. Academic Recognition: The book has been widely used in Australian universities and is recognized for its thorough coverage of land law, including its historical and contemporary aspects. It is cited extensively in academic literature and is considered a standard reference in the field.

Editions and Availability

• First Edition: Published in 1980 as "Introduction to Land Law".
• Second Edition: Published in 1988, with a shortened title "Land Law".
• Seventh Edition: Published in 2017, available from Thomson Reuters.
• Other Editions: The book has been published in various formats, including hardcover and softcover, with the most recent edition available from Thomson Reuters.

Overall, "Land Law" by Peter Butt is a seminal work in the field of land law, providing a comprehensive and authoritative guide that is essential for both students and legal professionals.