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:  Hello! I found a book (The Magic Nuts) published by Altemus Company, and I was wondering if you could give me a little more info on it or at least help me to date it (I can't find a date inside). I've been looking into this out of curiosity and haven't been able to find much when I found your website. Let me know what you think. Thank you in advance!

A:  Your book was published between 1909-1912 as part of the Vademecum Series. It is a reprint with nominal value.
See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

Vademecum Series

Q:  Can you tell me the date and any information about this book? (What is Art)

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1903. It is a reprint and originally was sold within a labeled box.

See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

For more information about this cover see: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series / European Artists

Favorite Series

Q:  Hello, I was wondering if you could give me information on this Alice's Adventures in Wonderland book. All the ones I've found similar have some color this one has no colored picture and seems to have not too much info on it. I've attached some pictures.

If you could give me some information that would be great.

Thank you for your time, much appreciated.

A:  Your book is from the Favorite Series, Format 2. See: Henry Altemus Company - Favorite Series for Young People Series 87

The date of your book can be determined by following the information in Series Note 5 on that page.

The cover is the same as the one used for this title in the Young People's Library, Format 3. Henry Altemus Company - Young People's Library Series 202

Valenciennes Series

Q:  Hi! I have a book (Tales from Shakspeare) that I am trying to figure out it's age. I couldn't find an example of it on your website. Can you help me with that? I've attached pictures for your reference. Thank you for your help!

A:  Your book is part of the Valenciennes Series and was published in 1897.
See: Henry Altemus Company - Valenciennes Series (earlier numbering) 181

It originally came in a labeled box.
It is a reprint.

Sanspareil Series

Q:  Hello found this in my uncle's things is this rare? What year is it from? Lowell's Poems

A:  Your book was published in 1899 as part of the Sanspareil Series. It is a reprint. It is not a very collectible book and only has nominal value.

See: Henry Altemus Company - Sanspareil Series 163 (later numbering-1899)

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have acquired a book which I believe to be at least 100 years old, however I have no information and cannot seem to find information online.
The book is called Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius and has a green cover with floral inlay. 2 bits of information I think is correct is that is was part of the Marqueterie series with a something that was described as sepia etchings to the cover.

I have seen this cover but not for the same book. I have included a picture of the same cover, which is the only book I can find with the same cover but different title.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1900. See: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

This edition is a reprint with nominal monetary value.

During 1900 the books in the Vademecum Series were published with this cover format but in a number of different colors.

Golden Treasury Series

Q:  A book (The Prince of the House of David) in good condition is listed for over $2500.00 on (site deleted by me so as not to shame the seller).

I have no intention of buying it but what do you think is the value of the book?

A:  This book is a reprint published as part of the Golden Treasury Series in 1899. See: Henry Altemus Company - Golden Treasury Series 99

On a good day with all the stars and planets aligned, it might sell for $10-15.

The description by the seller claims that the frontispiece is signed by the artist. This signature is a facsimile. See here.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  Hi I'm curious about this book I was given as a gift. If there’s any more information you need I’d be happy to provide it. It came out of an old luggage trunk filled with old books from a relative that passed away quite a while ago. I'm guessing from 1890-1900?

A:  Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1897.

It originally came within a labeled box. During this year, the right half of the covers had numerous designs whereas the left half remained constant.

As with all the books in this publisher’s series, the titles are reprints.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have a Cranford by Ms. Gaskell book that I can’t identify the cover. I think it is 1901 Vademecum Series but not sure, would you know. I have attached the photos. Any help to identify which one this is would be very helpful if you have the time.

A:  You are correct. This book was published in 1901 as part of the Vademecum Series. As with all the titles in this publisher's series, it is a reprint. More than 40 different applique pictures have been seen on this cover template.

The book originally came within a labeled box.

For more information see: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180 and Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series / European Artists

Young People's Library-Format 4

Q:  Can you tell me about this book? The Pilgrim's Progress
Picked it up for a friend because it looked interesting.

A:  Your book is from the Young People's Library-Format 4. It was published between 1923 and 1933. See Henry Altemus Company - Young People's Library Series 202 for exact dating information.

The dust jacket matches the book. This title was also seen with a variant applique on the cover. (Shown here)