To cite How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster in MLA 9th edition, use the following format for your Works Cited page:
Foster, Thomas C. How to Read Literature Like a Professor. Harper, 2013.
This citation provides all the necessary information for readers to locate the original source. Understanding the components of this citation can help you accurately cite other books in your academic work.
Works Cited Entry Explained
The Works Cited entry for a book in MLA 9 follows a specific order, making it easy for readers to identify key publication details. For Thomas C. Foster's How to Read Literature Like a Professor, published by Harper in 2013, the structure breaks down as follows:
| Element | Description | Example for This Book |
|---|---|---|
| Author | Last name, First name. | Foster, Thomas C. |
| Title of Source | Title of the Book (italicized). | How to Read Literature Like a Professor |
| Publisher | Name of the publisher. | Harper |
| Publication Date | Year of publication. | 2013 |
| Full Citation | Foster, Thomas C. How to Read Literature Like a Professor. Harper, 2013. |
Creating an In-Text Citation
When you refer to or quote information from How to Read Literature Like a Professor within the body of your paper, you must include an in-text citation. This directs your reader to the full entry in your Works Cited page.
The standard MLA in-text citation for a book includes the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the information was taken.
- Format: (Author's Last Name Page Number)
- Example: (Foster 45)
Practical Tips for In-Text Citations:
- If you mention the author's name in your sentence, you only need to include the page number in parentheses.
- Example: Thomas C. Foster argues that "readers gain much from understanding recurring literary patterns" (23).
- If the source has no page numbers (e.g., some e-books or online articles), omit the page number. However, for a print book like How to Read Literature Like a Professor, page numbers are essential.
- Place the in-text citation before the period at the end of the sentence or clause containing the cited material.
General Guidelines for Book Citations in MLA 9
MLA 9th edition emphasizes the "core elements" approach, which means you gather relevant information about a source and present it in a standard order. For most books, the primary elements are:
- Author: The person or group responsible for the work.
- Title of source: The complete title of the book, italicized.
- Publisher: The company that published the book.
- Date of publication: The year the book was published.
Additional Considerations:
- Editors or Translators: If a book has an editor or translator instead of a primary author, their name is included with "editor" or "translator" following their name.
- Editions: If you are using a specific edition (e.g., "Revised Edition," "Second Edition"), this information is placed after the title.
- Volumes: For multi-volume works, specify the volume number if you are citing a particular one.
By following these guidelines, you can accurately cite How to Read Literature Like a Professor and other sources, ensuring academic integrity and providing clear pathways for your readers to explore your research. For comprehensive information and specific scenarios, always consult the official MLA Style Center.
