1. Personal Opinions and Interpretations:
* Your thoughts on the book: Don't write things like "This book was very helpful" or "I found the author's style to be engaging."
* Your personal opinions about the subject of the book: Stick to factual information and avoid stating your own beliefs or biases.
2. Unnecessary Details:
* The physical condition of the book: There's no need to mention if the book has a dust jacket, is in good condition, or has any markings.
* Where you found the book: Unless it's particularly relevant (e.g., a rare or archival source), there's no need to specify where you obtained it.
3. Irrelevant Information:
* Your personal information: Your name, address, or contact details should not be included.
* Information about the publisher: While it's important to include the publisher's name, you don't need to include details about their location or other business information.
4. Redundant Information:
* The date you accessed the book: This is generally not necessary.
* The URL of the book: This only applies if you're referencing an online resource.
What *Should* Be Included in Your Bibliography:
* Author's full name (including any middle names)
* Title of the book (in italics)
* Place of publication
* Publisher
* Year of publication
* Edition (if relevant)
* Page numbers (if citing specific passages)
Example:
* Smith, John. *The Life of Jane Doe*. New York: Penguin Books, 2023.
Remember:
* Consult your professor's or publisher's style guide for specific formatting requirements.
* Use a consistent style throughout your bibliography.
By focusing on the essential information, you create a clear, concise, and informative bibliography that helps readers understand the sources you used for your biography.