Mastering Book Citations: From Textbooks to Translations
Despite the digital revolution, books—whether physical or electronic—remain a primary source of authoritative knowledge. However, citing a book isn't always straightforward. Is it an edited compilation? Is it a translation? Is it a specific chapter written by a different author? This guide breaks down these complex scenarios using AMA standards, which can often be adapted for other academic styles.
Citing Book Chapters
In academic writing, you often need to cite a specific contribution within a larger work. This is common in textbooks where different experts write different chapters.
The formula requires you to acknowledge the chapter author and the book editor. Note the use of "In:" to introduce the parent work.
Structure:
Author(s). Chapter title. In: Editor(s), ed(s). Title of book. Edition. Place: Publisher; Year: Pages.
Example:
Schwartz P. Redefining Resistance. In: Higonnet MR, ed. Behind the Lines: Gender and the Two World Wars. New Haven, CT: Yale UP; 1987: 141–53.
Translated Works
Global research often transcends language barriers. When citing a translated book, it is respectful and academically required to credit the translator. In AMA style, the translator's name appears after the title, followed by "trans."
For example, citing Tolstoy's Anna Karenina requires listing Maude L as the translator if you are using that specific English edition. This ensures that any interpretative nuances introduced by the translation are accounted for.
Textbooks and Editions
Textbooks are frequently updated. Citing the correct edition (e.g., "10th ed.") is critical because page numbers and content change significantly between versions. Always locate the copyright page of your physical or digital copy to verify the edition number.
For online books, the rules shift slightly. You must include the URL and the Date Accessed. This is because online content can change. For reliable formatting of online resources, referencing established databases like Google Books can help you find the metadata you need.
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