Second-Hand Foreign Language Books

Second-hand foreign language books for sale, each one a chance to read a story in its original tongue. Most are in French or German, with further titles in Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Welsh; for language dictionaries, our Dictionaries & Encyclopaedias collection is worth a look too.

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Foreign Language Books: French, German and Beyond

“He who does not know foreign languages knows nothing of his own.”

— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

A translation gives you the story. The original language gives you the writer's own words, exactly as they were first set down.

Most of this collection is in French or German, spanning literary classics from Victor Hugo, Alphonse Daudet and Friedrich von Schiller to history, biography and academic works. Further titles cover Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Welsh, including language-learning texts and phrasebooks alongside literature.

Condition is checked and described for each book individually, since wear varies from copy to copy. New foreign language books 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 foreign language books do you stock?

From French and German literature to Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Welsh titles, plus much more. Browse the collection above or use the search bar to look for a particular language, author or title.

Which languages do you have the most foreign language books in?

French and German make up most of the collection, though other languages are represented too.

Do you have foreign language dictionaries?

Some of our dictionaries in French, Latin, Gaelic and other languages are listed in our Dictionaries & Encyclopaedias collection, which is worth a look too.

Are foreign language books worth anything?

It depends on the edition, rarity and condition of the individual book rather than language or age alone. Each listing describes the book's condition and any notable details.

What condition are the foreign language books 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 foreign language book make a good gift?

They can, especially for someone learning or fluent in that language, or with a particular interest in its literature or history.

Can I search for a book in a specific language?

Yes, the search bar above the collection lets you look for a language, author or title directly.

Do you ship foreign language books internationally?

Yes, we happily ship foreign language books across the UK and worldwide, and UK orders over £50 come with free delivery.

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