How to MLA Cite a Book
Introduction
Citing your sources is an important part of academic writing. It shows that you have done your research and gives credit to the original author. One of the most popular citation styles is MLA, which stands for Modern Language Association. In this article, we will discuss how to MLA cite a book.
Step 1: Start with the Author’s Last Name
The first piece of information you need for a book citation is the author’s last name. Write it first, followed by a comma.
Step 2: Add the Author’s First Name
Next, add the author’s first name. This should be followed by a period.
Step 3: Include the Book Title
The next piece of information you need is the book title. It should be italicized and followed by a period.
Step 4: Add the Publisher’s Name
After the book title, add the name of the publisher. It should be followed by a comma.
Step 5: Include the Publication Year
The last piece of information you need is the publication year. It should be followed by a period.
Step 6: Put it All Together
Now that you have all the information you need, you can put it all together to create your citation. The format should be:
Last Name, First Name. Book Title. Publisher’s Name, Publication Year.
Example Citation
Here is an example citation for a book:
Smith, John. The History of the United States. Penguin Random House, 2010.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when MLA citing a book:
- The author’s name should be listed as it appears on the book’s title page.
- If there are multiple authors, list them in the order they appear on the title page.
- If the book is a translated work, include the translator’s name after the book title.
- If you are citing an edited volume, list the editor’s name instead of the author’s name.
Conclusion
Citing a book in MLA format is a straightforward process, but it can be easy to make mistakes. Be sure to double check your citation to ensure it is accurate and complete. By correctly citing your sources, you can show your readers that you have done your research and give credit where credit is due.
