Cite a Book Published Before 1900 in MLA

• Tomas Elliott (MA)
• Published on 04/18/2024

Citing books published pre-1900 poses unique challenges due to differences in publication practices during that era. Unlike modern publications, where citing the publisher is customary, citing the city of publication takes precedence for books published before the 20th century.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to citing pre-1900 books in MLA style, offering clarity on key elements such as authorship, title, city of publication, and publication date.

CITATION ELEMENTS OF A BOOK PUBLISHED BEFORE 1900

• Authorship: When citing a pre-1900 book in MLA style, begin by identifying the individuals, groups, or organizations credited with creating the book.
• Title: The title of the book should be italicized and placed after the author’s name. Include any subtitles as they appear on the title page.
• Version: If applicable, include the version of the book, such as a second edition or revised edition. This information should be placed after the title and before the city of publication.
• City of Publication: For pre-1900 books, the city of publication takes precedence over the publisher. List the city where the book was published, adhering to the spelling as it appears in the source. Do not translate city names; use the original spelling. 
• Publication Date: Finally, include the publication date of the book, which should be the year of publication. This information should be placed after the city of publication.

Consider Editions for Clarity: If citing a specific edition, such as a second edition or revised edition, include this information after the title and before the city of publication. This additional detail enhances clarity for readers and scholars seeking specific versions of the cited work. Verify Publication Dates: Double-check the publication date of the book to ensure accuracy in the citation. Since pre-1900 publications may have multiple editions or reprints, accurately citing the original publication date is crucial for scholarly integrity. Contextualize Publisher’s Offices: In cases where the publisher has offices in multiple countries with potential variations in spelling and vocabulary, consider specifying the city of publication to provide clarity for readers. This practice ensures accurate interpretation of the cited work and avoids confusion arising from regional differences. Language Variations: Pre-1900 publications may use language variations or historical spellings that differ from contemporary standards. When citing such works, maintain the original language and spelling as it appears in the source to preserve historical accuracy and authenticity in scholarly references.

EXAMPLE OF A BOOK PUBLISHED BEFORE 1900