How to cite a book in Bluebook

The Bluebook format for a book, as a template and a real example. Fill in your own source in the generator below.

The Bluebook, 21st ed.

BLUE 21Format

Given Surname, Title of Book (2d ed. 2024).

BLUE 21Example

Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow (2011).

Bluebook book rules

Author’s full name as it appears on the book.
Title in italics (practitioner) or large and small caps (law reviews).
Pinpoint page after the title.
Edition (if not the first) and year in parentheses: (2d ed. 2024). For later editions Rule 15.4 also asks for the publisher before the edition.

Paste a DOI or ISBN, or type the details. The in-text marker appears under the reference.

BLUE 21The Bluebook, 21st ed.
Book

Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow (2011).

Fix title capitalisation for Bluebook

In-textShort form: Kahneman, supra note 1, at —. Immediately repeated: Id.

How do I cite a book in Bluebook?

Author, Title Page (ed. Year). Example: Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow 20 (2011).

Does Bluebook include the publisher?

For a first edition the year alone is enough. For any later edition, Rule 15.4 adds the publisher: (Publisher 2d ed. 2024).