CONSUMERS AND THE LAW (2nd Edition) by Ross Cranston, B.A., LL.B., LL.M., D.Phil., Barrister, Senior Research Fellow, Australian National University. Weidenfeld & Nicolson, London (1984, xli and 496 pp., plus 7pp. Index). Hardback £22.50; paperback £10.95. No-one who is familiar with Ross Cranston’s work will be surprised at the vigorous pro-consumer approach of Consumers and the Law. The author’s basic premise is that the uncontrolled modern market-place is characterized by monopoly capitalism and hence exploitation of the weaker party to any transaction. This view is illustrated by examples in the first chapter of the book which sets out the context of consumer protection. In Part II, Cranston argues that the traditional method of protecting consumers—a private rights system—is procedurally, substantively and institutionally inadequate. It lacks the tools to deal with the consequences of economic inequalities such as those he perceives in the business-consumer relationship. Part III is both an exposition of the current U.K. regulatory framework and a defence of public regulation. The author has an optimistic view of the power of regulation. Although he accepts that there may be limits to social engineering, he takes the view that carefully targeted regulation of the consumer market-place is both feasible and more effective than the alternatives of business self-regulation, private rights and non-intervention. These views are supported and illustrated by reference to a wide range of comparative material. The book is stimulating and provocative. Although it is primarily addressed to an academic market, it is also an excellent source of reference material for those working in the consumer area.