Antique & Vintage Dictionaries & Encyclopaedias

Antique and vintage dictionaries and encyclopaedias for sale, each one a window into how language and knowledge were understood in earlier times. Many of our dictionaries cover French, Latin, Gaelic and other languages, so if you're after something in a particular tongue, our Foreign Language Books collection is worth a look too, or use the search above to find a specific title.

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Dictionaries & Encyclopaedias: From Latin and Gaelic to National Biography

“Dictionaries are like watches, the worst is better than none and the best cannot be expected to go quite true.”

— Samuel Johnson

A dictionary earns its wear one entry at a time: a thumbed corner at a well-used letter, a pencil note beside a word someone once needed defined, a spine cracked flat open at the page used most often.

This collection covers general English dictionaries alongside language dictionaries in French, Latin, Gaelic, Spanish, Italian and Hausa, plus specialist reference works like Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase & Fable, the Dictionary of National Biography and thesauruses such as Roget's. Encyclopaedias range from general knowledge volumes to subject-specific sets covering porcelain, mythology and Scottish art.

Condition is checked and described for each volume individually, since wear varies from book to book. New dictionaries and encyclopaedias are added to the collection regularly, so it's worth checking back if you don't spot what you're after today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of dictionaries and encyclopaedias do you stock?

From English and foreign language dictionaries to specialist subject encyclopaedias and thesauruses, plus much more. Browse the collection above or use the search bar to look for a particular language, subject or title.

Do you have dictionaries in languages other than English?

Yes, our stock includes French, Latin, Gaelic, Spanish, Italian and Hausa dictionaries among others. For the full range of foreign language titles beyond dictionaries, our Foreign Language Books collection is worth a look too.

Are old dictionaries and encyclopaedias worth anything?

It depends on the edition, rarity and condition of the individual book rather than age alone. Each listing describes the book's condition and any notable details, so you can judge its value for yourself.

What condition are the dictionaries and encyclopaedias in?

We photograph each book closely so you can see its binding, pages and general condition before you buy. Condition varies from book to book depending on how it's been looked after over the years, and anything worth knowing is noted in the listing.

Would a dictionary or encyclopaedia make a good gift?

They can, especially for someone with a particular interest, language or subject in mind. A vintage volume tied to a birth year can work nicely too for anyone drawn to something from their own lifetime.

Do you sell complete encyclopaedia sets?

We do from time to time, though multi-volume sets aren't always in stock complete. Check the individual listing to see how many volumes are included.

Can I search for a dictionary in a specific language?

Yes, the search bar above the collection lets you look for a language, subject or title directly, which is often quicker than browsing the full range.

Do you ship dictionaries and encyclopaedias internationally?

Yes, dictionaries and encyclopaedias ship internationally as well as across the UK, and UK orders over £50 come with free delivery.

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