How to Reference a Book with Multiple Authors in Harvard Style
In academic writing, referencing sources correctly is crucial to maintain academic integrity and give credit to the original authors. The Harvard referencing style is widely used in the humanities and social sciences, and it requires specific guidelines when referencing a book with multiple authors. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to reference a book with multiple authors in Harvard style.
1. Format the Author List
The first step in referencing a book with multiple authors in Harvard style is to format the author list correctly. When there are two authors, list both names in the text. For example:
> “Smith and Johnson (2020) argue that…”
If there are three or more authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the year of publication. For example:
> “According to research by Brown et al. (2019),…”
2. Include the Book Title
After formatting the author list, include the title of the book in italics. For example:
> “Smith and Johnson (2020) argue that…”
3. Mention the Edition, Volume, and Issue (if applicable)
If the book has an edition, volume, and issue, include these details in the reference. For example:
> “In the second edition of their book, Smith and Johnson (2020) discuss…”
If the book is a journal article, include the volume and issue numbers as well. For example:
> “In the 5th volume and 3rd issue of the Journal of Psychology, Brown et al. (2019) present…”
4. Provide the Publisher and Publication Date
Finally, include the publisher and publication date of the book. For example:
> “Smith and Johnson (2020) argue that…”
In the case of a journal article, include the journal name, volume, issue, and page numbers. For example:
> “Brown et al. (2019) present their findings in the Journal of Psychology, volume 5, issue 3, pages 45-60.”
5. In-text Citation
When citing a book with multiple authors in the text, use the author list followed by the year of publication. For example:
> “Smith and Johnson (2020) argue that…”
Remember to maintain consistency in your in-text citations and references.
In conclusion, referencing a book with multiple authors in Harvard style involves formatting the author list, including the book title, mentioning the edition, volume, and issue (if applicable), and providing the publisher and publication date. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your academic writing is accurate and adheres to the Harvard referencing style.
