How to cite from a book with more authors?

Question

Some books start each chapter with a short inspirational quote from some famous person e.g.

Chapter 1.

"I think, therefore I am"

-René Descartes

I would like to do the same and I found the perfect quote, but the book it is from has three authors. What should I write on the bottom of the quote?

But what if Y and Z have nothing to do with that particular sentence? Is it ok anyway? Did you see an example of such a citation? — Martin Drozdik, Commented Nov 1, 2014 at 11:26
Ambrose Bierce in his "The Devil's Dictionary" jokes about Descartes quotation by saying I think that I think, therefore I think that I am! — Name, Commented Nov 1, 2014 at 13:51

jakebeal · Accepted Answer · 2014-11-01 13:25:59Z

5

Remember the guiding principle of maximum ease in following a reference. If you don't know which author, cite primarily to the book.

From "Book title", by x,y, and z

In fact, even if there is only one author, it is good to cite the book.

answered Nov 1, 2014 at 13:25

jakebeal

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