How to Cite a Book in Harvard Style
Complete Harvard referencing guide for books. Examples for authors, editions, and e-books.
Quick Citation
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Harvard Book Format
Template
Author, A.A. (Year) Title of book. Edition. Place: Publisher.
Example
Reference List Entry
Cottrell, S. (2019) The study skills handbook. 5th edn. London: Red Globe Press.
In-Text Citation
(Cottrell, 2019)
Source Details
- Author
- Cottrell, S.
- Title
- The study skills handbook
- Publisher
- Red Globe Press
- Edition
- 5th edn.
- Location
- London
- Year
- 2019
Formatting Tips
- Italicize book titles
- Include edition if not the first
- Use "edn." abbreviation for edition
- Include place of publication
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Omitting edition information
- Forgetting place of publication
- Not italicizing titles
- Using full "edition" instead of "edn."
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Gather source information
Collect all required information for your book: author names, title, publication date, URL or DOI, and other relevant details.
- 2
Format author names
In Harvard, author names are formatted with last name first, followed by initials or full first name depending on the style requirements.
- 3
Structure the citation
Arrange the elements in the correct Harvard order: typically author, date, title, source, and access information.
- 4
Apply formatting rules
Apply italics, quotation marks, and punctuation according to Harvard Standard guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cite a book with multiple authors in Harvard?
For 2-3 authors, list all names with "and". For 4+, use first author "et al." Example: Smith, J. et al. (2024).
How do I cite an e-book in Harvard style?
Add "[eBook]" after the title and include the URL or database name: Title [eBook]. Available at: URL.
More Harvard Guides
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