source book

Or sourcebook

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

Related Words

• almanac 
• dictionary 
• directory 
• thesaurus