In works-cited-list entries for a work by more than one author, why is only the name of the first author inverted?

Note: This post relates to content in the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook. For up-to-date guidance, see the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook.

In a works-cited-list entry for a work by more than one author, the first name is inverted because the entry is alphabetized under the first author’s last name. Subsequent names are listed in normal order because they are easier to read that way, and MLA style aims to be reader-friendly.