Main description: 2007 was arguably the most extraordinary year in recent memory for the development of Private International Law. Reflecting the vitality and fluidity of a subject that is in constant motion, Volume IX of the Yearbook of Private International Law is again a very rich and multi-faceted book.An entire thematic section of this volume is devoted to the "Rome II" Regulation on the law applicable to non-contractual obligations, which was adopted by the EC institutions in July 2007. Being the first EC regulation on pure applicable law issues, this text opens up a new era in the process of creating a European PIL system. It deserved therefore a detailed commentary and analysis of its main provisions by experts from several EU States. Because of the interest that this European text presents for third party States, some distinguished scholars from non-European areas (the US, Japan, Latin America and Australia) were also asked to express their views on this important piece of Community legislation and the possible influence it may have on conflict developments in their respective countries and regions.