How do I cite book cover art?

To cite the cover of a book, create a works-cited-list entry for the book and then key your in-text reference to the first element of… Read More

Should an ISBN be listed in a works-cited-list entry in MLA style?

An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique numeric identifier that is used by publishers, libraries, booksellers, and other retailers in the marketing… Read More

How do I cite a critical essay published in the same volume as a literary text–for example, an essay in a Norton Critical Edition?

To cite a critical essay published in the same volume as a literary work, follow the MLA format template. List the author of the essay,… Read More

How do I cite a handbook or adventure module for a tabletop role-playing game such as Dungeons and Dragons?

If you are citing a published handbook or adventure module for a tabletop role-playing game such as Dungeons and Dragons, treat the work as you would any… Read More

Is it acceptable to list both a DOI and a URL in the same works-cited-list entry if one leads to a chapter and the other to the book as a whole?

No. If you are citing a chapter of a book from a novel or monograph, create an entry for the book as a whole and list… Read More

How do I indicate that the editor of a work is also its translator in my works-cited-list entry?

When an individual is both the editor and translator of a work, put the name of the editor-translator in the “Author” slot, followed by the… Read More

If Publishing is part of a publisher’s name on the title page of my source, should I include that word as part of the publisher’s name in my works-cited-list entry?

The MLA Handbook recommends omitting business words like Company, Corporation, and Incorporated (1.6.3) because the publisher can generally be identified without them. In our editorial practice, we… Read More

If a book has a copyright date but no publication date, should I use the copyright date as the publication date in my works-cited-list entry?

Yes, use the most recent copyright date. Read More

If a book title within an essay title is not italicized in the source, should I italicize it in my works-cited-list entry?

Yes. A title within a title should be styled according to the guidelines in section 1.2.4 of the MLA Handbook, regardless of how a title within… Read More

If I want to include a DOI for a book chapter in my works-cited-list entry, where should I insert it?

If you are citing a chapter of a book from a novel or monograph, create an entry for the book as a whole and list the… Read More