Writing an International Law Textbook

Summers, James (2023) Writing an International Law Textbook. In: Teaching International Law :. Brill, pp. 406-421. ISBN 9789004678873

Abstract

This chapter is a personal reflection on the process of writing an international law textbook. It looks at the dynamics and limitations inherent in the textbook writing process and considers some of the features of the proverbial ‘good’ textbook for teaching international law. It draws from my own experience of writing an International Law: Text, Cases and Materials book, first, for Pearson and then for Cambridge University Press. This writing process is nearing completion but not yet complete. Therefore, these reflections are on writing a textbook rather than publishing or revising one. The first part of this chapter will explore the element of originality in a textbook and how this informs its structure. The second part will consider the necessary attributes of ‘good’ textbook, including authority, reliability, clarity, engagement with the reader and precision, and how these can be approached. In both cases, the chapter will consider how the factors of time, word count and the market influence the textbook writing process.