MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers [Paperback]

Joseph Gibaldi (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0873525655 | ISBN-13: 978-0873525657 | Publication Date: May 1995 | Edition: 4th

...completely revised & updated, presenting a comprehensive guide to preparing research papers...with detailed coverage of using computers for research & citing electronic publications...includes an expanded section on punctuation.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Now a standard for students throughout the U.S., the original style sheet was published in 1951 and the first edition in book form appeared in 1977. This newest edition has been expanded to cover electronic searching methods, using computers to write research papers, and citing electronic publications. An excellent section on library use clearly explains paper and online catalogs. While there is no comparison of different word-processing programs, computers are touted as making the research writer's job much easier by combining steps and allowing movement between outlines and drafts. The new section on citing electronic formats is done well and with common sense; more than once, the reader is told that if complete information cannot be found, cite what is available. This new edition of a standard style handbook should be in every library.?Lisa J. Cochenet-Cihlar, Winfield P.L., Ill.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

This fourth edition of a publication based on the "MLA Style Sheet," begun more than 40 years ago, includes a great deal of information about using and citing electronic sources. Designed as a "comprehensive picture of how research papers are created," the handbook was last published in 1988. It will be used by researchers from high school and up. It is aimed at students; The MLA Style Manual (1985) is aimed at scholars. The handbook takes readers through the research paper process step by step, and includes information on narrowing the topic, outlining, note taking, etc. Before dealing with such mechanics of writing as spelling, punctuation, and format, the manual covers the use of catalogs (online and paper), indexes, and databases in the library and offers a list of some standard print and electronic reference works. The sections on documentation in text and citations seem to include every type of source and possible variable. The work concludes with abbreviations for terms used in research, reference sources by subject, and some examples of other styles of documentation. Examples within each section are printed in a font different from the explanatory text, a feature that allows the user to easily find the appropriate format. Chapters are divided by subtopics with numeric denotation; an index makes topics easy to find.

Public and academic libraries should update their style manuals with this edition because of the inclusion of electronic sources, portable and online. High schools that use the MLA style should also include it in their library collections.

Product Details

• Paperback: 293 pages
• Publisher: Modern Language Association of America; 4th edition (May 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873525655
• ISBN-13: 978-0873525657
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,150,201 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The MLA Handbook is indispensible for research authors., December 12, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (Paperback)

Easily the most useful book any college student could own, the MLA Handbook is full of information on how to correctly cite almost any source. It helps to please any professors who insist on 100% accurate citations. A must have for anyone who writes any number of research articles, it is definitely a sound investment. If you don't have the MLA Handbook, you're left guessing on new citation standards such as CD-ROMs, Online postings, speeches, television shows, radio addresses, etc. The book has bailed me out on a number of occasions, especially when I have been forced to go to 'unorthodox' sources for information.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Necessity!!, April 3, 1999

By 

J. F. Wilfong (Gastonia, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (Paperback)

I don't know how I wrote papers before I got this book. It covers all the aspects of a research paper that a college student needs to know from layout to citations. Topics are easy to find and illustrated.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BUY THIS BOOK!, August 22, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Worcester MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (Paperback)

This book is essential to any student, high school or beyond. I am an English teacher and tell all students and parents to buy a copy. I own two copies - one for school and one for my home.