1. MLA (Modern Language Association):
MLA uses in-text citations and a "Works Cited" page at the end of your paper.
* In-text citation: (Author's Last Name Page Number). If you mention the author's name in the sentence, you only need the page number.
* Example: "Shakespeare's use of iambic pentameter is evident throughout *Hamlet* (Shakespeare 123)."
* Works Cited entry:
* Example: Shakespeare, William. *Hamlet*. Edited by Barbara Mowat, Paul Werstine, Michael Poston, and Rebecca Niles, The Folger Shakespeare Library, 2008.
2. APA (American Psychological Association):
APA also uses in-text citations and a "References" page.
* In-text citation: (Author's Last Name, Year, Page Number).
* Example: Shakespeare's use of iambic pentameter is evident throughout *Hamlet* (Shakespeare, 2008, p. 123). Note that if you mention the author's name in the sentence, the year still goes in parentheses.
* References entry:
* Example: Shakespeare, W. (2008). *Hamlet*. (B. Mowat, P. Werstine, M. Poston, & R. Niles, Eds.). The Folger Shakespeare Library.
3. Chicago (or Turabian):
Chicago has two main styles: Notes and Bibliography and Author-Date. We'll illustrate the Notes and Bibliography style here, which is more common in humanities.
* In-text citation: A superscript number¹ directs the reader to a footnote at the bottom of the page.
* Example: Shakespeare's use of iambic pentameter is evident throughout *Hamlet*.¹
* Footnote:
* Example: ¹William Shakespeare, *Hamlet*, ed. Barbara Mowat, Paul Werstine, Michael Poston, and Rebecca Niles (Washington, DC: The Folger Shakespeare Library, 2008), 123.
* Bibliography entry: (appears at the end of the paper)
* Example: Shakespeare, William. *Hamlet*. Edited by Barbara Mowat, Paul Werstine, Michael Poston, and Rebecca Niles. Washington, DC: The Folger Shakespeare Library, 2008.
Key elements to include in your citation (regardless of style):
* Author's name: (Last name, First name)
* Book title: (Italicized)
* Editor(s) name(s): (if applicable)
* Publisher:
* Publication date:
* Edition: (if not the first edition)
* Page numbers: (for in-text citations)
* Location of Publisher: (City, State, or Country - may vary by style)
Important notes:
* Always check your specific style guide: These examples are simplified. Style guides can be quite detailed, and specific rules may vary depending on the edition of the style manual. Consult the most up-to-date version. Your professor or institution will usually specify which style to use.
* Consistency is key: Use the same style consistently throughout your entire paper.
* Online resources: Many universities and colleges have online citation generators or style guides that can assist you. Use these tools carefully, however, as they aren't always perfect and should be proofread carefully.
By following these guidelines and consulting the appropriate style guide, you can ensure that your book citations are accurate and properly formatted for your academic work.