How to Cite a Book in MLA 9th edition

Print books, e-books and textbooks, including new editions and translations.

Example in MLA 9th edition

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. J. B. Lippincott, 1960.
In-text (Lee)

What MLA 9th edition includes

These are the details of the example above that the style prints, so they are the ones to collect for your own source.

  • Book Title
  • Author(s)
  • Publisher
  • Year Published

Check the title page for author and title. The copyright page (verso) lists publisher, year, and edition. For e-books, this info is often in the front matter.

The formatting comes from the style's own file, so check the finer points against your guide. What to check by hand in MLA 9th edition.

A Book in other styles

APA 7th edition Chicago 18th edition (notes and bibliography) Harvard (Cite Them Right 12th edition) IEEE Vancouver

Other sources in MLA 9th edition

Website Journal Article Newspaper Article Book Chapter Thesis/Dissertation Report Video Podcast/Broadcast Magazine Article Software Dataset Patent Legal Case Legislation Bill Regulation Hearing Standard Treaty Conference Paper Manuscript Review Book Review Classic Work Reference Entry Dictionary Entry Encyclopedia Entry Periodical Collection Interview Speech Song Musical Score Graphic Figure Map Performance Event Pamphlet Preprint Document Post Blog Post Personal Communication Generative AI