The aim of this work remains to set out the basic principles of South African private law systematically, in clear unmistakable language, and as comprehensively as is possible in a single volume. The ninth edition retains the basic structure of the previous edition with innovation in the treatment of its subject matter and the dissemination of original research. All chapters have been has been rewritten , in most cases from scratch, in order to take account of major changes in the law in the 15 years since the previous edition, or to improve and modernize the treatment of a topic. The useful practice in previous editions of citing the older, original authority for a proposition alongside contemporary sources.