The book contains;

• Historical references regarding the establishment of General Average from Roman Law onwards
• Establishment of the International rules;
  - The Glasgow Resolution 1860
  - The York rules of 1864
  - The York-Antwerp Rules 1877, 1890, 1924, 1950, 1974 & 1994
• The variation and changes to the text in 2004 but only those which had a significant effect
• Why the 2004 changes were not universally adopted
• General average security

Both authors are fellows of the Association of Average Adjusters and have been chairmen of the association in the course of their careers. Geoffrey Hudson has attended every conference of the Comité Maritime International since 1974 and until 2004. Michael Harvey has also taken a leading part with the Association Mondiale de Dispacheurs and is currently acting as its treasurer.