Henry Altemus Company

The following are questions submitted via email by our visitors.

If you have a question about Altemus books that you'd like answered please click on the Questions link at the bottom left of this page.

Beauxarts Series

Q:  My mother sent you the below image of a book we found recently in our basement. It belonged to my late Grandfather and we were just curious to see if you could help us determine if it has any substantial worth, or if it is just a neat collectors item. I will attach the images again for clarity. The info I have from the book is that it is titled Balzac's Short Stories. Published in Philadelphia - 1895. Any info helps, thanks for your time.

A:  Your book is part of the Series 47 Beauxarts Series. This series of reprints is not rare and most of the titles (including yours) have only nominal value.
For more information see Series 47.

Golden Books of Childhood

Q:  Is this an original for Altemus publishing (The Children's Shakespeare)?

A:  No. Your book is part of the three volume series- Golden Books of Childhood. It was published in 1916. It is a large book measured at 8.75 x 6.75. This title was published earlier by Altemus in 1900 in the Dainty Series in a very different appearing format.

Boys and Girls Classics

Q:  YES, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW OLD THIS BOOK (ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND) IS AND MAYBE THE WORTH. IT WAS GIVEN TO MY GRANDMOTHER IN 1902 AS AN AWARD. NOW I HAVE IT. THANKS FOR ANY INFORMATION YOU CAN GIVE ME.

A:  Your book is part of this series Boys and Girls Classics.

It was published between 1899-1902.

The website page above can help you date it exactly.

This book originally came in a labeled box. The Young People's Library version of Alice is much more commonly seen and generally costs more. But this book is the rarer of the two formats and in my opinion has a much more elegant cover. The cover was designed by the Decorative Designers firm.

It appears to be in nice shape and probably would sell between $10-40.

Young People's Library Format 2

Q:  I have a friend who has a first edition of Lives of the Presidents copyright 1899. Any idea what it might be worth?

A:  Your friend's book is not the first edition of this title. The first edition can be seen here as book #13.
Young People's Library Format 1

As you can see the cover looks quite different.

Your book is pictured here: Young People's Library Format 2

The book you sent is a format 2 book whereas the earlier book is a format 1 book.

Without the dust jacket it has nominal value.

Altemus Library (2)

Q:  We have this book (The House of the Seven Gables) and as you can see, it is in very good condition. Published in 1892. No dust cover. Can you give us any information regarding its value?

A:  Your book can be found here:
Altemus Library

It was published between 1913 and 1916.

The Altemus copyright refers to the first time Altemus published this title as a reprint in 1892.

It has only nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I was given an old book (The Lady of the Lake) and I wondered what you could tell me about its age.

A:  You can find your book here with the 1904 books.

Series 180

It is part of the Vademecum publisher's series which is comprised of reprints.

The flowers seen on the cover are on of four possible flower pictures found in the 1904 books.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  Can you please tell me something about this book (Courtship of Miles Standish)?

A:  Your book can be found here with the 1907 books.

Series 143

It is part of the Petit Trianon Series. This publisher's series is made up of reprints of classics, poetry, fiction, etc.

This book originally came in a labeled box.

It only has nominal value.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  I have attached pictures of a book I have called "Jessica's First Prayer and Jessica's Mother" by Henry Altemus Company with no date of publication anywhere. Any info you have on it would be appreciated.

A:  Your book can be found with the 1905-1906 books here: Petit Trianon Series

It originally came in a labeled box.

It is a reprint in the Petit Trianon publisher's series.

It only has nominal value.

Gem Series (earlier)

Q:  We have a Henry Altemus Company book that we can’t find on your website. The book is The Vicar of Wakefield. The title page has “Philadelphia Henry Altemus Company” printed in red type. Can you tell us about its date of printing? Approximate value?

A:  Your book can be found here: Gem Series

It has only nominal value.

(Of note is that shortly after this reader's question was answered she placed this book on Ebay with a minimum bid of $35. Of course, barring a miracle it will sell at nowhere near this price. Predictably it received no bids.)

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  Dear Expert: I have just found an old book, Black Beauty, and the publisher is Henry Altemus Company. I cannot find a publishing date and all pages appear to be intact with some damage to the cover and the binding. There is a notation on the front cover back of No. 49. Could you please enlighten me as to the date of publication. Should I spend money with a conservator to have it restored? My appreciation for your assistance in advance.

A:  Your book can be found here with the 1903-1904 books. Petit Trianon Series

Most of the books of the publisher's series are reprints and have only nominal value.

It would not be worth getting restored.