MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, Sixth Edition

Generally very detailed, with plenty of illuminating examples. But this 2003 edition has nothing on citing blogs and the like, and even the rules for newsgroups don't foresee the need for citing two posts by the same person and with the same title.

Also, the sixth edition "features" a change in the guidelines for citing judicial opinions. Whereas the fifth edition mandated the use of a case reporter, the sixth edition instead mandates using the case number. I suppose it's better in principle, since it's more "attached" to the opinion itself than a citation to another book is, but (a) every book and journal I've ever seen uses only the case reporter, and (b) unless you have the original slip opinion, or the opinion is from a jurisdiction show more that has adopted a public-domain citation format (that's one in which the paragraphs are numbered), you're offered no guidance for in-text citations. After all, if you can't cite a book, how can you have page numbers?

The first of these complaints, however, is no fault of Gibaldi, who, like the rest of us, had no knowledge of blogs in 2003. And the second is of no concern for the majority of this book's target audience (to his credit, Gibaldi directs the reader to the Bluebook for more extensive guidance). Overall, this book has a very large job to do, and it does it well. show less

This book is incredibly easy to use with clear, precise examples. The table of contents is easy to search. This book is lacking in a few "special case" citation examples, so when using this I would occassionally have to look on the internet for help. In general though, this book is a great book and a staple to every college student's library.

When I was in college this was the standard for research papers. And I'd agree it's much easier to use and more lucid than the Blue Book I'd later have to use for legal citations. It's true though that this edition, published in 1995 is probably dated. And given I've finished my higher education, I can't see a reason to keep it any longer on my shelves--but it sure gave good service during my college years--and if you're in or about to enter college--I'd certainly recommend getting whatever is the latest edition.

Get this book and don't bother being tempted by the bigger, glossier one. This one has all you need for MLA, unless you're doing really professional work or you need to work with very difficult citations. Well laid out, with lots of examples.

As an English major, this book was essential. I used it more than any other reference book, so much that I regret not purchasing it the minute I signed up for my first college class. This book had all the answers, even those to questions I'd never thought to ask.

Personally, I like the Chicago Manual of Style better for the actual citations. Still, though, this work is very useful when it comes to academic writing.

This is, of course, the Bible for English majors. Get used to it. It's loads better than the Bluebook--the inefficient manual for legal citation.