When citing an academic book co-authored by multiple people, how should the authors be listed?

When citing an academic book authored by multiple individuals, list all authors' names completely in the order they appear on the book's title page at the time of publication. List every author's name on the first citation, regardless of total number, unless specific style guide rules indicate otherwise. Author names should generally be listed family name first, followed by initials or given name as per the citation style (e.g., APA uses surnames and initials; MLA/Chicago can use full names). Cite the names exactly as printed. If the citation style permits shortening the list after the first mention (e.g., APA: first author's surname plus "et al."), this applies only in subsequent citations, not the first instance. Consistency with the chosen formal citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) is paramount. Accurate and complete listing ensures proper scholarly attribution, avoiding plagiarism and enabling readers to correctly locate the source. This format upholds intellectual integrity by acknowledging all contributors and facilitates source verification within academic work. Following discipline-specific style guides guarantees clarity and standardization across publications.