'Whilst the book contains many historical details about various statutes, the authors are much more concerned with concepts, narratives and trends. Their real aim is to provide a better understanding of modern intellectual property law and the problems that are associated with it. … This is an excellent and much needed contribution to the study of intellectual property law. Far too often those working in this field are concerned solely with the day to day development of its object of protection and the need to protect various (new) forms of creation and innovation. This book provides the in depth analysis of the concepts that should shape the development of a coherent long-term strategy. ' Paul Torremans, University of Leicester

'Bently and Sherman take a wide legal perspective and offer helpful readings and insights, although always acknowledging the fluidity of the themes and concepts they address. It is an ambitious project, persuasively executed. They make a convincing case for their argument that a sensitive appraisal and understanding of past narratives is essential if - as we must - we are to create the new narratives needed to meet new demands.' The Cambridge Law Journal

'This is a very readable and thought provoking book which should be of interest to anyone concerned with the philosophical basis of intellectual property law and the reform of that law to accommodate the demands of twenty-first entry technology. The authors certainly make their point that to know where we are going, we need to know where we began.' Media & Arts Law Review