McKendrick vs Treitel: Which Contract Law Book Should You Buy?
The classic debate for UK law students. We compared both with feedback from 100+ students to help you decide.
In This Comparison
The Two Books at a Glance
Contract Law
| Type: | Student Textbook |
| Pages: | ~750 |
| Approach: | Accessible, exam-focused |
| Best For: | Undergraduate study |
| Price: | £31.99 |
The Law of Contract
| Type: | Academic Textbook |
| Pages: | ~1,100 |
| Approach: | Comprehensive, scholarly |
| Best For: | Advanced study, academia |
| Price: | £37.99 |
Prices updated: 2026-08-11
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | McKendrick | Treitel |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Style | Clear and accessible | Dense and scholarly |
| Depth of Analysis | ★★★★☆ Very good | ★★★★★ Exceptional |
| Exam Preparation | ★★★★★ Excellent | ★★★☆☆ Limited |
| Case Coverage | ★★★★☆ Comprehensive | ★★★★★ Exhaustive |
| Readability | ★★★★★ Very readable | ★★★☆☆ Demanding |
| Length | ~750 pages (manageable) | ~1,100 pages (demanding) |
| University Usage | Most UK universities | Oxford, Cambridge, LSE |
| Price | £31.99 | £37.99 |
When to Choose Each Book
Choose McKendrick If You:
- Are in your first or second year of LLB
- Want a book you’ll actually enjoy reading
- Need clear exam guidance and problem question help
- Are at most UK universities outside Oxbridge/LSE
- Want value for money (£14 cheaper)
- Are new to law and need accessible explanations
Choose Treitel If You:
- Are at Oxford, Cambridge, or LSE (it may be required)
- Want to pursue academic law or a PhD
- Are preparing for the Bar or a commercial law career
- Want the most comprehensive case analysis available
- Are in your final year or on an LLM programme
- Have already read McKendrick and want to go deeper
McKendrick suits first year well — the problem-question guidance at the end of each chapter helps structure exam answers clearly without becoming overwhelming.
Treitel is genuinely excellent but demanding — many students find it impenetrable in second year, only to return to it later (often for a dissertation) and find it invaluable once they’re ready for it.
Some universities, including LSE, recommend Treitel from day one. It’s a tougher read, but rewards students with genuine understanding of contract law rather than memorised rules.
Our Final Verdict
For the vast majority of UK law students, McKendrick is the right choice. It’s used at most universities, it’s written with students in mind, and it will take you comfortably through your first and second years. At £44.99 it’s also £14 cheaper than Treitel — a meaningful difference when you’re buying five or six textbooks.
Treitel is exceptional but it’s an advanced text that rewards those who are ready for it. If you’re at Oxford, Cambridge, or LSE, check your reading list — you may have no choice. Otherwise, start with McKendrick and come to Treitel when you’re ready.
McKendrick or Treitel — which contract law textbook should I buy?
For most UK law students, buy McKendrick. It is more accessible, more widely used at UK universities, and its structure closely mirrors how contract law is taught on UK LLB programmes. Treitel is more authoritative and exhaustive — better suited to postgraduate study or where specifically required by your course.
Is Treitel worth buying as an undergraduate?
Only if your reading list specifically requires it. Treitel’s depth is unmatched but its density makes it a challenging primary text for undergraduates. Most students use it as a reference alongside McKendrick rather than as their main reading.
Can I use older editions of McKendrick or Treitel?
With caution. Contract law is relatively stable but cases and statutory updates do occur. One edition back is generally fine. Two or more editions back risks missing significant case law developments. Check with your lecturer before relying on an older edition for assessed work.
What is the difference between McKendrick and Treitel on offer and acceptance?
Both cover offer and acceptance comprehensively but McKendrick is more structured and accessible, with clear summaries and worked examples. Treitel is more exhaustive and considers edge cases and academic debate in greater depth. For exam preparation, McKendrick’s clarity is generally more useful.
Which UK universities use McKendrick for contract law?
McKendrick is used at Oxford, UCL, King’s College London, Manchester, Bristol, Exeter, Leeds, and most UK law schools. Treitel tends to be recommended as supplementary reading rather than the primary text at most institutions.
Last Updated: September 2026 | Author: Textbooks.co.uk Editorial Team
Prices are checked regularly but may change. We earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclaimer.