An Introduction to The Bluebook

Rule 15 covers books, treatises, encyclopedias, reports, white papers, dictionaries, and other nonperiodic materials (i.e., sources published once rather than on a recurring basis). This excludes periodicals like newspapers, law reviews, and journals, which are covered in Rule 16.

• Rule 15.1 details the elements of a basic book citation.
• Rule 15.3 addresses both individual and institutional authors. Omit institutional authors if they are also the publisher.
• Rule 15.8 provides citation forms for well-known sources like Black’s Law Dictionary, American Jurisprudence, and the Bible.
• Rule 15.9 governs citations to online books and nonperiodic materials, including ebooks and items in commercial databases. Under the 22nd edition, cite the version you consulted. If citing a digital version, include the format in parentheses (e.g., “(ebook)” or “(Kindle eBook)”).
• Rule 15.10 and Rule 4.2.1 explain how to use id. and supra. When using supra for institutional authors, abbreviate using Tables T6 and T13.

Below are examples of citations to commonly cited types of nonperiodic materials:

The 22nd edition of The Bluebook preserved the structure of Rule 15 but introduced some substantive additions. These include:

• New guidance on pen names and tribal affiliations in Rule 15.1. 
• Addition of citation formats for Wright & Miller and Moore's in Rule 15.8(c).
• Expanded treatment of special pagination and classical citations in Rule 15.8.
• Slight edits to rules referencing electronic sources and reprints, including optional including of Perma.cc links.