MLA Handbook

Relied on by generations of writers, the MLA Handbook is published by the Modern Language Association and is the only official, authorized book on MLA style. The ninth edition builds on the MLA's unique approach to documenting sources using a template of core elements―facts common to most sources, like author, title, and publication date―that allows writers to cite any type of work, from books, e-books, and journal articles in databases to song lyrics, online images, social media posts, dissertations, and more. With this focus on source evaluation as the cornerstone of citation, MLA style promotes the skills of information and digital literacy so crucial today.

The many new and updated chapters make this edition the comprehensive, go-to resource for writers of research papers and anyone citing sources, from business writers, technical writers, and freelance writers and editors to student writers and the teachers and librarians working with them. Intended for a variety of classroom contexts―middle school, high school, and college courses in composition, communication, literature, language arts, film, media studies, digital humanities, and related fields―the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook offers

•        New guidance on grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, numbers, italics, and abbreviations

•        A new chapter on principles of inclusive language

•        Guidelines on setting up research papers in MLA format with updated advice on headings, lists, and title pages for group projects

•        Revised, easy-to-use, step-by-step instructions for creating a list of works cited in MLA format

•        A new appendix with hundreds of example works-cited-list entries by publication format, including websites, YouTube videos, interviews, and more

•        Guidance on finding publication information in a variety of sources

•        Newly revised explanations of in-text citations, including advice on how to cite multiple authors of a single work

•        Detailed guidance on footnotes and endnotes

•        Instructions on quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, and avoiding plagiarism

•        Annotated bibliography examples

•        Numbered sections keyed to a subject index for quick navigation

•        Advanced tips for professional writers and scholars

Founded in 1883, the Modern Language Association of America provides opportunities for its members to share their scholarly findings and teaching experiences with colleagues and to discuss trends in the academy. MLA members host an annual convention and other meetings, work with related organizations, and sustain one of the finest publishing programs in the humanities. For more than a century, members have worked to strengthen the study and teaching of language and literature.