How to cite a textbook in MLA

To cite a textbook in a reference entry in MLA style 9th edition include the following elements:

1. Author(s) name: Give the last name and name as presented in the source (e. g. Watson, John). For two authors, reverse only the first name, followed by ‘and’ and the second name in normal order (e. g. Watson, John, and John Watson). For three or more authors, list the first name followed by et al. (e. g. Watson, John, et al.)
2. Title of the book: Titles are italicized when independent. If part of a larger source add quotation marks and do not italize.
3. Edition number: Include information about the edition if it is not the first.
4. Publisher: If the name of an academic press contains the words University and Press, use UP e.g. Oxford UP instead of Oxford University Press. If the word "University" doesn't appear, spell out the Press e.g. MIT Press.
5. Year of publication: Give the year of publication as presented in the source.

Here is the basic format for a reference list entry of a textbook in MLA style 9th edition:

Author(s) name. Title of the book. Edition number ed., Publisher, Year of publication.