How to Cite a Book with 2 Authors
Citing a book with two authors is a fundamental skill in academic writing and research. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps readers locate the source of information. In this article, we will discuss the various formats for citing a book with two authors, including APA, MLA, and Chicago styles.
APA Style
According to the APA (American Psychological Association) style, when citing a book with two authors, you should list both authors’ last names followed by their first initials, separated by a comma. After that, include the year of publication, the title of the book (italicized), the edition (if applicable), and the publisher. For example:
Smith, J. A., & Jones, B. C. (2020). The evolution of modern science (3rd ed.). New York: Academic Press.
If you are citing a specific chapter from the book, include the author of the chapter and the editor of the book in the reference list. For example:
Smith, J. A. (2020). Chapter 5: The impact of technology on society. In B. C. Jones (Ed.), The evolution of modern science (3rd ed., pp. 50-75). New York: Academic Press.
In the text, you can mention the authors’ last names and the year of publication, such as (Smith & Jones, 2020).
MLA Style
In MLA (Modern Language Association) style, the format for citing a book with two authors is similar to APA. You should list both authors’ last names, followed by their first initials, separated by a comma. After that, include the year of publication, the title of the book (italicized), and the publisher. For example:
Smith, John A., and Barbara C. Jones. The Evolution of Modern Science. 3rd ed., Academic Press, 2020.
If you are citing a specific chapter, include the author of the chapter and the editor of the book in the Works Cited list. For example:
Smith, John A. “Chapter 5: The Impact of Technology on Society.” In The Evolution of Modern Science, edited by Barbara C. Jones, 50-75. Academic Press, 2020.
In the text, you can mention the authors’ last names and the year of publication, such as (Smith and Jones 2020).
Chicago Style
In Chicago style, the format for citing a book with two authors is also similar to APA and MLA. You should list both authors’ last names, followed by their first initials, separated by a comma. After that, include the year of publication, the title of the book (italicized), and the publisher. For example:
Smith, John A., and Barbara C. Jones. The Evolution of Modern Science. 3rd ed., Academic Press, 2020.
When citing a specific chapter, include the author of the chapter and the editor of the book in the reference list. For example:
Smith, John A. “Chapter 5: The Impact of Technology on Society.” In The Evolution of Modern Science, edited by Barbara C. Jones, 50-75. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2020.
In the text, you can mention the authors’ last names and the year of publication, such as (Smith and Jones 2020).
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite a book with two authors in different citation styles. Proper citation not only demonstrates academic integrity but also helps readers locate and verify the sources of your information.
