When citing a book, how should the publication date of the book be indicated?

When citing a book, the publication date signifies when the specific edition being referenced was released and is a mandatory element of any citation. It is always included within the parentheses alongside the author(s). The publication date primarily refers to the year the cited edition was published, distinct from the copyright date, which appears on the copyright page. For reprinted or later editions, cite the date of the edition actually used. Locate the publication date on the title page verso (copyright page). Different citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) place the date consistently within the author-date parentheses or notes; consistency is paramount. For translated works, provide the original publication date if relevant alongside the translation date according to style guide rules. Accurate publication dating is critical for academic integrity and verification. It allows readers to locate the exact source, assess historical context, track the evolution of ideas, and ensures proper attribution of the author's work at the specific point in time referenced.