International Law

I was looking forward a book that could help me to understand the american vision of international law, in order to accomplish this item in my thesis and it fulfilled all my expectations.

This is a dense but ultimately rewarding introduction to the subject matter. Shaw's prose is at best elliptical; it's very easy to lose the forest for the trees in this book, particular given Shaw's tendency to explain in exhaustive detail the procedural workings of the various international and regional organizations. Although it sometimes reads like a very, very long grocery list, it is an essential reference book for anyone hoping to learn about public international law. Overall, it's a very thorough introduction to the subject matter, and is much more accessible the second and third times through. Complemented by an excellent index and supplementary materials.

The remark about the Jay treaty convinced me. I immediately decided to buy this book; if an obvious typo (1974 instead of 1794) is the only objection that can made against this book, it must be great.

Beside some edition flaws (like the date issue) Malcom N. Shaw is a very good book about international, it gives a good analyze over the basic institutions of international law. For graduate/bachellor grade students it is a must have book.

This book is one of several "must have" while doing a serious investigation on international law. This is the best way to start. It covers most of the aspects of international law, from Sources of Law to Space Law and International Environmental Law.