Meet a Treatise: Farnsworth on Contracts

This post is the second in an occasional series in which the basics on the most important treatises in U.S. and Ohio law are provided, covering its background and where to find it, both in the library and online (if applicable).

Farnsworth on Contracts

Background: Edward Allan Farnsworth (1928-2005) was one of America’s most renowned legal scholars on contracts. His writings were standard reference in courtrooms and law schools. Farnsworth is most known for Farnsworth on Contracts. Farnsworth also worked as a reporter for 10 years on the Restatement (Second) of Contracts. He earned his law degree from Columbia Law School in 1952 and soon began teaching there as the school’s youngest professor. Farnsworth taught at the school for over 50 years.

What it is: Long respected for its clarity and accessibility, Farnsworth on Contracts is a treatise relied upon by student, practitioner, and courts. The treatise provides comprehensive coverage of most if not all issues in contracts classes. Farnsworth illustrates how contemporary contract law has been shaped by both the Restatement (Second) of Contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code. Drafting tips and cross references are very helpful features in this treatise.

Where to find it: Farnsworth on Contracts is available in print in the reference section of the library. Electronically, Farnsworth can be found on the Cheetah platform (a Wolters-Kluwer product) and is available to all students and staff (see previous post on all Cheetah treatise offerings).

For more information on available treatises, check out our Major Legal Treatises research guide.