Law and the Whirligig of Time

(Hardback)

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Description

For over 30 years, first as a QC, then as a judge, and latterly as a visiting professor of law at Oxford, Stephen Sedley has written and lectured about aspects of the law that do not always get the attention they deserve. His first anthology of essays, Ashes and Sparks, was praised in the New York Times by Ian McEwan for its exquisite, finely balanced prose, the prickly humour, the knack of artful quotation and an astonishing historical grasp. You could have no interest in the law, McEwan wrote, and read his book for pure intellectual delight. The present volume contains more recent articles by Stephen Sedley on the law, many of them from the London Review of Books, and lectures given to a variety of audiences. The first part is concerned with law as part of history - Festes whirligig of time; the second part with law and rights. The third part is a group of biographical and critical pieces on a number of figures from the legal and musical worlds. The final part is more personal, going back to the authors days at the bar, and then forward to some parting reflections.

Reviews

Before, during and after his time as a judge, Stephen Sedley has provided an invaluable running commentary on the law... These collections provide an opportunity to understand and engage with the whats, whys and wherefores of the judicial role at a time of evolution for the judiciary and the law. -- James Lee and Simon Lee, The Dickson Poon School of Law, Kings College London and The Open University, Milton Keynes * Legal Studies *
I would recommend this book to libraries that collect current British law and those seeking an intellectually stimulating take on British legal affairs -- Katherine Laundy, Library of the Supreme Court * Canadian Law Library Review *
Richly entertaining, full of insight, wisdom and humanity. -- Patrick Birkinshaw * Amicus Curiae *

Author Bio

Sir Stephen Sedley is a retired Lord Justice of Appeal for England and Wales, and former visiting professor of law at Oxford University.