MLA (Modern Language Association) style is widely used in the humanities, particularly in literature and language studies. Knowing how to correctly cite sources, especially books, is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and showcasing your research. This guide breaks down the process of citing books in MLA, making it easy even for beginners.
Understanding the Basics of MLA Book Citations
Before diving into the specifics, let's understand the core elements of an MLA book citation. These elements are the building blocks you'll need to construct a complete and accurate citation. Missing even one can lead to an incorrect citation.
Key Elements of an MLA Book Citation:
- Author's Last Name, First Name. (This is usually the first element)
- Title of Book. (Italicized)
- Publisher, (Often followed by a comma)
- Publication Year. (Usually a four-digit year)
These are the minimum requirements. Depending on the complexity of the book's publication, you may need additional information.
How to Cite Different Types of Books in MLA
The basic format works for most books, but some require additional information. Let's look at a few common scenarios:
1. Citing a Standard Book:
This is the most common type of book citation. Here’s the general format:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year.
Example:
Smith, John. The History of Clocks. Penguin Books, 2023.
2. Citing a Book with Multiple Authors:
If a book has two or three authors, list them in the order they appear on the title page, separated by commas. For books with four or more authors, you can list the first author followed by “et al.”
Example (Two Authors):
Doe, Jane, and Peter Jones. The Art of Storytelling. Oxford University Press, 2022.
Example (Four or More Authors):
Brown, Emily, et al. Advanced Physics. Cambridge University Press, 2021.
3. Citing an Edited Book:
Edited books require you to specify the editor(s). Use "Ed." or "Eds." after the editor's name(s).
Example (Single Editor):
Johnson, Robert, Ed. Essays on Modern Literature. Yale University Press, 2020.
4. Citing a Book with a Translator:
If the book you are citing is a translation, include the translator's name after the title, using the abbreviation "Trans."
Example:
Molière. Tartuffe. Trans. Richard Wilbur. Harcourt, Brace & World, 1963.
5. Citing a Book with a Version or Edition:
Specify the edition if it's not the first.
Example:
Carroll, Lewis. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. 2nd ed., Macmillan, 1866.
In-Text Citations: Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due
Remember that your MLA book citation isn't just for the Works Cited page. You also need in-text citations within your paper to show where you've used information from the book.
Example:
According to Smith (2023), the invention of the clock dramatically altered society.
The page number should be added if you are directly quoting:
"The clock's impact was undeniable" (Smith 2023, 45).
Where to Find More Information
This guide provides a basic overview. For comprehensive information and the most up-to-date guidelines, refer to the official MLA Handbook or the MLA Style Center website. While not linked here directly, searching for these terms will provide you with the most reliable and current resources for MLA citation. Always consult the latest edition for the most accurate information.
