How to Cite a Physical Book APA
Citing a physical book in APA format is an essential skill for anyone conducting academic research or writing a paper. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original author but also helps readers locate the source of the information. In this article, we will guide you through the process of citing a physical book in APA format, ensuring that your references are accurate and consistent.
General Format
The general format for citing a physical book in APA format is as follows:
Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of book. Publisher.
For example:
Smith, J. (2020). The History of Modern Art. Penguin.
Author Details
Start by listing the author’s last name followed by their first initial. If there are multiple authors, include all of them in the same order they appear on the book’s cover. If the book has an editor or translator, include their names as well, following the same format.
For example:
Smith, J., & Johnson, E. (Eds.). (2020). Art and its Impact on Society. Oxford University Press.
Title
Next, include the title of the book in sentence case, capitalizing the first letter of each major word. If the title is a subtitle, enclose it in quotation marks.
For example:
Smith, J. (2020). The History of Modern Art (3rd ed.). Penguin.
Year of Publication
Include the year of publication in parentheses immediately following the title. If the book has been reprinted or revised, use the original publication year.
For example:
Smith, J. (2005). The History of Modern Art. Penguin.
Publisher
Finally, list the name of the publisher at the end of the citation. If the publisher is the same as the author’s name, include it in parentheses after the title.
For example:
Smith, J. (2020). The History of Modern Art (3rd ed.). (Penguin). Penguin.
Formatting Notes
– When listing authors, separate each name with a comma and a space.
– Use parentheses for the year of publication and publisher.
– If the book has a volume number, include it after the title and before the publisher.
– If the book is part of a series, include the series title and volume number before the publisher.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations for physical books in APA format are accurate and consistent. Remember that proper citation is not only a matter of academic integrity but also a way to provide readers with the information they need to find the sources you’ve referenced.
