Principles Of Property Law Concise Hornbook: An Introductory Survey (Hornbook Series Student Edition)

This one was both. As an evening law student with delusions of eternal youth, I just completed two semesters of property law during summer session, and I surely found Hovenkamp's discussions useful. (In general I prefer hornbooks to casebooks anyway.) The text includes lots of sample problems as well; you may especially appreciate this feature when you discuss estates, future interests, and the Rule Against Perpetuities.

I didn't notice anything that clearly set it apart from other property-law hornbooks, but we don't, after all, buy these things for the bells and whistles. It's a solid book that covers a standard subject in pretty much the standard order. Recommended to law students.


Excellent treatise   October 31, 2004
A. Loperena
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This is an excellent treatise on the law of property. Because the sections on Bailments, Gifts, Rights of Possessors of Land, Present Possessory Freehold Estates, and Future Interests were very useful, I would recommend this book for the first semester of property. Unfortunately, Hovenkamp's coverage of issues traditionally discussed in second semester property is not as useful. For second semester, I would suggest using Understanding Property of the Understanding Series. This series is published by Lexis. Understanding Property is also useful for first semester, but because Hovenkamp's treatise covers first semester issues well, it's not really necessary.


good examples, could have used more explanation on some topics   December 1, 2007
Theresa (Chicago, IL)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This book had a lot of good hypos on each subject. However, it could have used more detail on landlord/tenant. The book also emphasized several areas that my professor wasn't too concerned about.