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 have a book titled Natural Law in the Spiritual World. I don't know the date of this book, or which edition it is. Would you happen to know? Also, do you know the value of a book like this? Please see attached pictures, and thank you so much for any information you may be able to provide.

A:  Your book was published in 1896 as part of the Vademecum Series.

This title is a reprint as are all of the titles in this series. It has nominal value only.

Vademecum Series

Q:  When was this book published?

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series. This cover format was published in 1897.

All of the titles in this series are reprints. In 1897 the cover had a stereotypical design but the volumes were published in numerous different colors. Some are shown here.

Vademecum Series

Q:  This is an 1895 printing of “Idylls of the King.” On the inside front cover, someone has written their name and the year 1896. Can you tell me what this is worth?

A:  This book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1895.

All of the books in this series are reprints.

Since this is not a very collectible title and because it is in poor shape, it will be hard to sell at any price.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have attached scans of the cover and copyright pages of three books. Any help you can give me regarding the value and/or authenticity of these books would be greatly appreciated. Please advise. Uncle Tom's Cabin

A:  This book was published in 1894 as part of the Vademecum Series. This long running publisher's series included only titles that are reprints. During 1894 the first 27 titles were published in a series that eventually would have more than 100 titles.

In 1894 this cloth cover was published in a number of different colors. Some are shown here.

Your book has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  While cleaning out my mothers home we came upon this edition of Black Beauty. Any info you can provide would be so helpful. Thank you. It is inscribed with no desk jacket.

A:  This book was published in 1896 as part of the Vademecum Series. All of the titles in this series are reprints and your volume is one of numerous reprints of this title published in the 1890's. It originally came within a labeled box. It has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Twice Told Tales
What is the worth of this book? Good Condition.

A:  This book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1898. During that year this cover was seen in a number of different colors. See here for some examples.

As with all of the titles in this series it is a reprint. Since your book does not have an exceptionably sought after title, it only has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello. I was inquiring on a publishing date for a copy of The Essays of Lord Bacon.

A:  This book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1895.

As with all of the titles in this series, it is a reprint. Originally it was sold within a labeled box.

In 1895 these books were published with a number of different color covers.

Vademecum Series

Q:  came across this book and was wondering if you have any info on it. I found this pic of it on the internet. my book is not in this great of shape. still would like any info you can give me on it. Marmion

A:  Hello,
Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1896. As with all of the titles in this series, it is a reprint. This book originally came within a labeled box.

During the 1896 publication year the titles in this series were published with several different color covers. Some are shown here.

It has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I’m trying to identify/date the book in the attached photo. Title page states “Henry Altemus”, NOT “Henry Altemus Company” so apparently this is pre-1900. However I can’t find this particular cover anywhere on your site.

A:  Your book is an 1897 publication of the Vademecum Series.

During this year, the titles in this series were published in a number of different colors. Some examples are shown here.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello I have this book and would like you to look at the cover. I went thru the ones you have shown and I did not see it. The book is Cranford and original owner wrote a to and from on Christmas 1900.

A:  This is an 1897 book published in the Vademecum Series. The titles in this series are all reprints.

In 1897 these books were published in a number of different color covers. Originally they came in a labeled box. An example is shown here.