Writers Workshop: Writer Resources
Modern Language Association (MLA): Multi-volume Work
When using more than one volume of a multivolume work, cite the total number of volumes in your bibliographic entry (i.e. "5 vols.") after the title and before the publication information. You will then make reference to specific volumes and page numbers within the text of your paper.
- Lucas, Robert E., Jr. and Thomas J. Sargent, eds. Rational Expectations and Econometric Practice. 2 vols. Minneapolis: U of Minnesota P, 1981.
When using only one volume in a multivolume work, insert the number of the volume you are using between the title and the publication information for that volume, and only give the publication information for that particular volume.
- Lucas, Robert E., Jr. and Thomas J. Sargent, eds. Rational Expectations and Econometric Practice. Vol. 1. Minneapolis: U of Minnesota P, 1981.
If you are only citing one volume of a mulitvolume work, and the volume has an individual title, you may simply cite that particular volume without reference to the other volumes:
- Caro, Robert A. Master of the Senate. New York: Knopf, 2002.
If citing only one volume, you may also add the total number of volumes at the end of the entry along with other relevant publication information, although this is not required.
- Wellek, Rene. A History of Modern Criticism, 1750-1950. Vol. 5. New Haven: Yale UP, 1986. 8 vols. 1955-92.
For additional information, please see the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (6th edition) and the MLA style website.