source book

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of source book

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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