How to Cite a Book in OSCOLA (4th Edition)

This guide explains how to format a book citation in OSCOLA (4th Edition). Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a book in OSCOLA (4th Edition):

Template

Author, Title (Publisher Year) Page

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

See footnote 2 (superscript in text).

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

Andrew Ashworth and Jeremy Horder, Principles of Criminal Law (8th edn, OUP 2016) 45

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Write the author name
Write the full name (first name then surname, no full stops after initials).
2
Write the book title
Italicise the full title including any subtitle.
3
Add publisher and year
In parentheses, write the publisher name and year separated by a space (no comma). Include the edition before the publisher if not the first edition.
4
Add the page reference
Write the specific page number after the closing parenthesis. Do not end with a full stop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using commas after initials in author names.
Not italicising the book title.
Placing the publisher and year outside the parentheses.
Adding a comma between the publisher and year inside the parentheses.
Ending the citation with a full stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a comma between the publisher and year in OSCOLA?

No. OSCOLA uses a space, not a comma, between the publisher and year: (Oxford University Press 2023). This differs from many other styles.

How do I cite an edition other than the first?

Include the edition before the publisher: (2nd edn, Oxford University Press 2020). Use 'edn' not 'ed' for OSCOLA.

How do I cite a book with no identified author?

Begin with the title of the book, then proceed with the rest of the citation. Italicise the title as usual.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your book:

Author(s) or Editor(s)
Year of publication
Title
Edition (if not the first)
Publisher
DOI or URL (if electronic)

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Step-by-Step Guide

Write the author name

Write the full name (first name then surname, no full stops after initials).

Write the book title

Italicise the full title including any subtitle.

Add publisher and year

In parentheses, write the publisher name and year separated by a space (no comma). Include the edition before the publisher if not the first edition.

Add the page reference

Write the specific page number after the closing parenthesis. Do not end with a full stop.