How to Cite an Anthology (MLA style)

Citing an anthology in a bibliography or list of references can be a bit tricky, as you generally must include information on the anthology itself, as well as on the particular work in the anthology (essay, poem, play, story, etc) that you are referencing. Here's how one citation authority, MLA, suggests you do it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. If the work in the anthology is a story, poem, or essay, put the title in quotation marks:
   
   Rich, Adrienne. "Living in Sin." The Treasury of American Poetry. Comp. Nancy Sullivan. New York: Guild America, 1978. 721.

2. If you are citing a play, novel, or book, underline the title (sorry...underline formatting not allowed here, so use your imagination to underline the name of the play, 'Proof'):
   
   Auburn, David. Proof. The Best Plays of 2000-2001. Ed. Jeffrey Eric Jenkins. New York: Limelight, 2001. 339-92.

3. If the anthology includes original citation information for a work, and if you're a stickler for detail, then include the original cite, followed by "Rpt. in" (reprinted in), and then the anthology cite:
   
   Ryan, William F. "The Genesis of the Techno-Thriller." Virginia Quarterly Review 69.1 (1993): 24-40. Rpt. in Contemporary Literary Criticism. Ed. Jeffrey W. Hunter, Deborah A. Schmitt, and Timothy J. White. Vol. 112. Detroit: Gale, 1999. 61-67.

4. Similarly, if the work in the anthology was originally published under a different title, begin the citation with the new title and publication information first, followed by Rpt. of (for "reprint of"), followed by the original title and citation:
   
   Gelbspan, Ross. "Global Warming Poses a Serious Threat." Global Warming: Opposing Viewpoints. Ed. James Haley. San Diego: Greenhaven, 2002. 18-24. Rpt. of "Reality Check." E: The Environmental Magazine. Sept.-Oct. 2000: 24-26.

5. For more details on citing anthologies correctly, see the references listed in resources.

Resources

• MLA Citations from Books and Anthologies

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[Elizabethknows]

on 5/18/2008 this is a much needed subject. Give credit where credit is due. Thank you