About Law – Tony Honoré

This is the first book I read when I decided I wanted to study Law. It’s also the only one I put on my personal statement when applying to Oxford. I think it proves that it’s better to read and enjoy a small number of high-quality books than to show off with hundreds of things you don’t understand.

About Law is probably the most basic introduction to law that you can get. Tony Honoré is a very well-renowned legal academic, who has managed to condense his knowledge to provide an introduction to the law that is both simple and interesting. He discusses all kinds of topics, for instance, the purpose of law, how it works (in simple terms) and he also gives a basic introduction to the English legal system.

It is strongly suggested that you read this book first, and read it even if you read nothing else on this list. It starts at the basics, and is a short book, but by the time you’ve finished it you’ll know far more than when you started.

This is the first book I read when I decided I wanted to study Law.