Under the older typewritten standards, underlining was used in place of italics to denote a book title. Handwritten and Typewritten Conventions Before the widespread adoption of computers and word processors, the rules were slightly different.
Book Titles Italics Versus Quotes: Italicizing vs. Underlining and Quoting
This typographical convention signals to the reader that the work is a self-contained entity, rather than a component of a larger whole. However, in modern word processing, true italics are the expected norm, making underlining an outdated practice unless specifically requested.
Consistency is Key Perhaps the most important guideline regarding book titles is not which symbol you choose, but rather maintaining consistency throughout your document. Whether you are dealing with a novel, a non-fiction monograph, or a collection of essays, the title functions as the primary identifier for the volume itself.
Book Titles Italics Versus Quotes: Italicize or Underline?
Chicago Manual of Style Italicize book titles, offering flexibility for older works or notes. If you are writing by hand or using a typewriter, you would underline the title of the book.
More About Should book titles be italicized
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