Citation
How to cite a book
The format that started it all. Here’s a book in three styles, plus the rules for editions and multiple authors.
What you need
Author(s), year, title (italicised), edition if not the first, and publisher.
Examples
APA 7
Smith, J. (2020). The origins of language (2nd ed.). Aldridge Press.
In-text:
(Smith, 2020, p. 14)MLA 9
Smith, Jordan. The Origins of Language. 2nd ed., Aldridge Press, 2020.
In-text:
(Smith 14)Chicago 18 (notes-bibliography)
Smith, Jordan. The Origins of Language. 2nd ed. Chicago: Aldridge Press, 2020.
Note:
1. Jordan Smith, The Origins of Language, 2nd ed. (Chicago: Aldridge Press, 2020), 14.A chapter in an edited book (APA)
APA 7
Okafor, L. (2019). Tone systems. In R. Vance (Ed.), Studies in phonology (pp. 55–78). Beacon Academic.
Frequently asked questions
How do I cite a book with two or more authors?
APA lists up to 20 authors with an ampersand before the last; MLA lists the first author then “et al.” for three or more; Chicago lists all in the bibliography.
How do I cite one chapter from an edited book?
Cite the chapter author and title, then “In [Editor] (Ed.), Book title (pages). Publisher.” (APA), adapting for MLA or Chicago.
Do I include the edition?
Yes, if it isn’t the first — e.g. “(3rd ed.)” in APA, “3rd ed.” in MLA, after the title.
Do I need the city of publication?
APA and MLA no longer require the city. Chicago still includes it.
These guides explain the current editions in plain language and are a study aid, not official style manuals. For exact rules and edge cases, check your assignment brief and the official APA, MLA or Chicago guidance — and when in doubt, ask your instructor.