Frustration and Force Majeure

Frustration and Force Majeure (Second Edition) by Ewan McKendrick provides an authoritative examination of how contracts are affected by unforeseen events. The book analyzes the doctrine of frustration, impossibility, supervening illegality, and hardship, alongside the drafting and construction of force majeure clauses in commercial agreements.

Drawing on leading judicial decisions and comparative jurisprudence, the text explains how courts allocate risk when performance becomes impossible or radically different. It is particularly relevant in infrastructure projects, international trade contracts, and situations involving economic disruption or pandemics.

Published by Sweet & Maxwell, this work is widely cited in arbitration and commercial litigation. It offers practical guidance for drafting force majeure clauses and managing contractual risk effectively. For advocates and corporate legal teams, the book serves as a detailed reference on discharge of contracts and risk allocation principles.