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.

Devotional Series

Q:  I have a copy of Gold Dust by Henry Altemus. The book measures 4 1/2" X 6 1/4" with what appears to be cloth covered. I will send pics of the cover and the first few pages inside. On the page of copyright it reads: "Copyrighted by Henry Altemus, of Philadelphia, in the state of Pennsylvania, A.D.1897, in the One Hundred and Twenty-second Year of Independence of the United States of America." Below that at the bottom of the page it reads: "Henry Altemus Manufacturer Philadelphia". On the opposite page it reads: "To E.B.H. This little book is most lovingly dedicated". On the inside cover it has hand written "christmas 1899 from Drarish".

What can you tell me about this book, is it common or rare, what's it value???

A:  Your book is part of the Devotional Series. See: ../series/series75.htm Each year or two the covers of the Devotional Series were changed. The books are quite common and are all reprints. Your book only has nominal value.

Devotional Series

Q:  Can you please give any information regarding the attached picture of the Bible Birthday Book. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

A:  Your book was published between 1908 and 1924 as part of the Devotional Series.

See ../series/series75.htm

It originally came inside a labeled box.

It has only nominal, if any, value.

Devotional Series

Q:  We have a book written by Rev. Charles Spurgeon (John Ploughman's Talk). Published by Henry Altemus Company. No publishing date is listed. Could you tell us something about this book. Does it have any value?

A:  Your book was published in about 1907 as part of the Devotional Series.

See ../series/series75.htm

Devotional Series

Q:  I have a book from my grandmother. It is titled “Gold Dust”. I was wondering if you could tell me a little bit about it. It does not have an author listed. I noted on your website that there was one Gold Dust series book that was anonymous. The name at the end of the preface is C.M. Yonge. The book was signed by someone who must have given this to my grandmother. He signed and dated it 1912. Thanks for your help.

A:  Your book belongs to the Devotional Series and can be seen at Series 75 as a Format 5 book.

This title was popular among all the reprint publishing houses. Since none of them paid any royalties this was one of the books that was published in a myriad of formats by different publishers in the late 19th and early 20th century.

This title is not widely collected and your book only has nominal value.

Devotional Series

Q:  I was emailing in regards to a book in which we have and it is printed by Henry Altemus Company Philadelphia and it is by Henry Drummond and it is called the Natural Law in the Spiritual World.

If you could please email some information I would appreciate it as there is no publication date on it.

A:  This book is part of the Devotional Series. This series of religious titles was published between 1895 and 1933. The book pictured here is part of Format 5 and was printed between 1898 and 1924. It originally came in a labeled box.

Its date can be determined by studying the ads in the back and figuring out when the books/series were published. This is relatively easy to do. Also if the title page says Henry Altemus Company the book was published in 1900 or later. If it says Henry Altemus it was published prior to 1900.

Devotional Series

Q:  I recently purchased an old copy of "John Ploughman's Talk" by Rev. Charles H. Spurgeon published by Henry Altemus Company, Philadelphia. It has no date in it. I would like to know how old it is. Can you help me? Attached are pictures to help.

A:  Your book is part of the Devotional Series (#75) and was published between 1901-1904. As you can see, there is a picture inside the oval on the cover of the book. There were a number of different pictures with this one appearing most often.

Devotional Series

Q:  I have recently come across a copy of Throne of Grace. Unfortunately, I am having a hard time finding information on this particular copy. Can you, please, take a look at this picture and give me a few details?

A:  Your book is part of the Devotional Series. This series of religious reprints consisted of at most 52 books. Different covers and different titles were published yearly beginning in 1895. This cover format was published between 1905-1908. These books are relatively common. Originally they came with boxes.

Diplome D'Honneur Series

Q:  Hello, While going through boxes from my mother's estate, I came across this book (The Song of Hiawatha), and wonder if you can give me more information about it. While the interior pages are in good condition, the covered is somewhat soiled and a little worn, as you can see. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

A:  Your book was published in 1902 as part of the Diplome D'Honneur Series.

The cover is quite unique. The right half is made of brocaded satin.

The book is a reprint and only has nominal value.

Diplome D'Honneur Series

Q:  Hi my name is Amber and I recently purchased this book from a flea market. The cover says "Endymion" and the title page says "Endymion, and other poems." Unfortunately, the first 12 pages are missing. I would like to know the year in which this book was published. Thank You.

A:  Your book is part of the Diplome L'Honneur Series and was published in 1902. This series was only published for one year and the books are somewhat uncommon. See: ../series/series76.htm.

Dore's Masterpieces Series

Q:  Hi! I have this Book (Milton's Paradise Lost) published by Henry Altemus that has no date on it. I also couldn't find one online with the same cover design.  Any information would be appreciated!

A:  Your book is part of the Dore's Masterpieces Series.

It was published between 1892 and 1901.

It originally had a red canvas dust jacket. See here