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.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have been trying to get an idea of the age of this book. Whittier's Poems. It has printed 1896, but I have come to understand that may not be the actual age. Can you give me any information on this book?

A:  This book is part of the Vademecum Series series and was published in 1896. Usually, not always though, if an Altemus book has a date at the bottom of the title page, that is the publication date. The Tale of Peter Rabbit is one well known exception.

This format was mostly seen in 1895 but as is apparent with your book, it was also seen in 1896. These books have been seen with many different color covers. Some examples are shown here.

As with all of the titles in the Vademecum Series, it is a reprint.

For more information see http://henryaltemus.com/series/series179.htm.

Worldly Wisdom Series

Q:  I am looking to get an appraisal on this book and was hoping that this site could provide guidance. Worldly Wisdom from Emerson
Thank you in advance for your time and attention. It is greatly appreciated.

A:  This book is part of the four volume Worldly Wisdom Series.

There were five formats in this series. This book is from Format 4. See series here.

It originally came within a labeled box.

In this condition, it has no value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Any information you can give me on this book would be useful. Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1899.

All the titles in this series are reprints. Originally this book was sold within a labeled box.

This cover has been seen in a number of different colors. See here.

It has nominal monetary value.

Boys and Girls Classics

Q:  Hi, Thanks for getting back to me. Can you tell me anything about this book? Is it from a series, etc.? Twice Told Tales

A:  Your book is part of the Boys and Girls Classics Series. This series was published between 1899-1906.

There is a flow chart on the website which allows you to date your book. This is based on the ads in the back of the book.

Originally your volume came within a labeled box.

As with all the titles in this series, it is a reprint. It only has nominal value.

As an aside, the cover was designed by the Decorative Designers firm.

See: http://bookofbibliomaven.blogspot.com/2009/07/decorative-designers-and-series-books.html

Eternal Life Series

Q:  I have a beautiful little white book "God's Word and God's Works" - Martin Luther. Inside is a picture of Martin Luther facing page with title by Martin Luther - Philadelphia Henry Altemus in red. Back of that page is copyrighted 1896 by Henry Altemus - Henry Altemus, Manufacturer Philadelphia. I find no specific information on this book. I do want to sell it. Could you give me a little background and value of this book?

A:  Your book is part of the Eternal Life Series and was published in 1896. The leatherette volumes in this series have been seen in a number of different cover formats. Some examples are shown here.

The books in this series have little, if any, monetary value.

Bo-Peep Series

Q:  Hello, I have a book titled "Song of Sixpence" and I am trying to find as much out about it as I can.

A:  Hello, Your book is part of the eight title Bo-Peep Series and was published in 1905.

It originally had a dust jacket. See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series55.htm

In this shape it has no monetary value.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  Just curious about value of this small book ( about 4.5” x 6.5” ). Inherited from Aunt and believe date post 1900. Evangeline

A:  Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1903-1904. It originally was sold within a labeled box.

All of the books in this series are reprints.

There were four different styles printed during these two years. The pedestal has been seen in three colors (beige-most common, blue and pink) and as an ooze calf book. A picture of any one of sixteen flowers are possible for the right half of the book covers.

It is a reprint and has nominal value (a couple of dollars).

Vademecum Series

Q:  I recently came upon this copy of Chesterfield's Letters published in 1894. I was wondering if it has any value to someone who collects books and if so, how do I find a buyer? Thank you so much, have a wonderful day.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series. See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series179.htm

Your book is a reprint and has nominal value only.

Boys and Girls Classics

Q:  Can you tell me more about the year and edition of this version of Pilgrims Progress?

A:  Your book is part of the Boys and Girls Classics Series. It is a reprint.

This volume originally was sold within a labeled box.

There is a flow chart on the website page that can help you determine the date of publication based on the ads in the back of the book.

It has nominal value.

One-Syllable Series

Q:  Can you help me with this book? I could not find it on your site. A Child's Story of the New Testament

It says 'copyright 1909' by Howard E. Altemus just prior to the contents page. After reading recent posts I'm thinking it has no value but would like to hear it from an expert.

A:  Your book is part of the One-Syllable series and is pictured here: http://henryaltemus.com/series/series137.htm

The One-Syllable Series contains 12 books and was first published in 1899. There are four formats in this series and your book is part of Format 4.

These latter books were published in the teens.

The book pictured does not have a very collectible title and without a dust jacket (shown here) only has nominal value.