Gringras: The Laws of the Internet (Third edition)

Citation

Van Hoorebeek, M. (2009), "Gringras: The Laws of the Internet (Third edition)", International Journal of Law and Management, Vol. 51 No. 2, pp. 126-127. https://doi.org/10.1108/17542430910947167

Although the Gringras brand remains in the title carrying with it Olswang credentials; this updated edition is now under the new management of Elle Todd also of Olswang. The previous offering produced by Clive Gringras was on the whole excellent and exhibited a clarity and organisational style that enabled the material presented to be readily accessible and relevant to a wide variety of individuals. The decision to spread the ever increasing load of internet related material to contributing editors in the new edition seems to have worked well; certainly the areas with this extra support provided by specialists look set to increase in both breadth and complexity over the coming years.

Generally the book performs very well, however two small issues must be brought up at this point. The introductory section exhibits a focus on definitions; describing general internet protocols and other general features, this does provide a general feeling for the area, however this seems to move the text towards a student audience. Further to this there is no assumption of technical knowledge and technical terms are not used when simpler ones will suffice (p. 10). Those working or dealing with the internet as part of their everyday activities should be familiar with the terms that are explained within this chapter. As a base for a practice or information professional reference guide some of these explanations seem slightly redundant.

The second small issue is that although the accessibly shown in the previous edition remains, the discussion takes place under the familiar titles of contract, tort, intellectual property, crime, etc. This fulfils the expressed remit of “supplementing” other reference books however a number of issues expressed in Gringras are also featuring in many of the standard reference tomes of contract, tort and intellectual property. The idea of differentiation from what the practitioner and libraries will already have on their shelves should be a priority for subsequent editions.

With the minor criticisms outlined, the strength of the book arises from the author's choice of material to discuss, the topics within each section provide practical relevance expressed with academic vigour. Personal opinion can be found within the book and generally provides insight into the areas, whether the reader agrees with the argument line presented or not. This may be a direct result of the books practice background, however this feature has arisen it does have the result of provoking moments of insight from the reader. The identification of issues and navigation of the book is very easy indeed and for practical problem solving purposes the book is excellent.

As explained in the foreword to the new edition the aim of a definitive book on the subject of “The Laws of the Internet” is “ambitious” or “foolhardy”. The book may not be definitive however the new edition is certainly a book that continues to perform at all levels, however it exists in a price bracket above the student market, a market which at times the book seems to be aiming at. Alongside the obvious practitioner relevance the book exhibits significant undergraduate and post graduate utility. Gringras under the new guidance of Todd is certainly a book that should appear in the reference section of any Law, Management or Technology library within a university and certainly be available to practitioners and information professionals who work within the realms of the internet.