This new addition to the renowned Clarendon Law Series offers a concise and stimulating introduction to company law. Professor Davies sets out the five key functions of company law: the creation of separate legal personality for the company; the conferment of limited liability on the company"s shareholders; the provision of centralised management; the allocation of control rights over the company; and the creation of transferable shares. This new and comprehensive introductory volume is an essential resource for all those studying company law.