source book

or sourcebook

noun

1. an original writing, as a document, record, or diary, that supplies an authoritative basis for future writing, study, evaluation, etc.
2. a volume containing a small collection of such writings, usually on a specific subject, used in research.

Word History and Origins

Origin of source book¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

With intricate aerial sequences, massive sets, armies of extras and extensive research undertaken beyond the source book, the series “was a monumental undertaking,” Orloff said.

From New York Times

Christopher Nolan made ‘Oppenheimer’ lightning-fast, but the story of writing and adapting the source book, ‘American Prometheus,’ is a half-century epic.

From Los Angeles Times

Other perks included trips to Europe to source books.

From Los Angeles Times

Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” is completed and will guide the upcoming seasons, unlike the unfocused, poorly paced last part of “Game of Thrones,” where the scripts outran the still-in-progress source book material.

From Washington Post

While both adaptations include large changes from their respective source books, one managed it far more successfully.

From Salon

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