If the cited book has multiple published editions, how should it be indicated?

When citing a book with multiple published editions, the specific edition used must be explicitly indicated alongside the publication details. This clarifies the source text's precise form for readers and researchers. The edition statement typically follows the book title and is formatted using ordinal indicators (e.g., "3rd ed." or "reprinted ed."). Include the edition number whenever it is documented (except the first edition). If an edition statement is present, the publication year reflects that specific release. Identifying the edition is crucial for accurate source verification, particularly when editions contain substantive differences in content, pagination, or revisions relevant to scholarly work. To implement this, first identify the edition information from the title page or copyright page. Then, apply your chosen citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) to format it correctly after the title. Common practice places the edition number after the title, formatted as, for example, "(3rd ed.)". Finally, ensure the publisher location and name correspond correctly to the edition cited, maintaining citation integrity and enabling precise source location.