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:  I've recently purchased a copy of Ralph Waldo Emerson's Essays, First Series published by Henry Altemus and I can't seem to find a similar cover to my copy anywhere. I was hoping to get a little more information about this book.

A:  Your book was published in 1897 as part of the Beauxarts Series. It is a reprint with nominal value.
See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series47.htm

Beauxarts Series

Q:  Hello! I recently bought a copy of Paradise Lost from a seller who says it's from 1899 and I have a few questions. On one of the pages it says that my book is Volume 1, and I'm having trouble finding out what volume 2 is. Is it Paradise Regained or another additional volume of Paradise lost? I am also curious if you have any info on its value. I can send additional pictures as needed. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

A:  Your book was published between 1899 and 1901 as part of the Beauxarts Series. Henry Altemus Company - Beauxarts Series (later numbering) 48

This series has both books: "Paradise Lost" and "Paradise Regained".

This book is a reprint with nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I was just curious as to any information you can provide about a book I have purchased from an antique store (In Memoriam). I know it is not a particularly unique one but I would still like to know anything about it. I have attached a picture.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1904.
Originally it came within a labeled box.

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

It is a reprint with nominal value.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  I am trying to identify the age and value of a book that belonged to my grandmother (The Song of Hiawatha). I suspect it is the early 1900's, but there is no date published in the book. Thanks for your help.

A:  It was published in 1907 as part of the Petit Trianon Series.
It is a reprint originally sold in a labeled box.
See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series143.htm

Monetary value: maybe a couple of dollars

Vademecum Series

Q:  Greetings, I am emailing regarding a copy of Alice in Wonderland that I have found while searching the web.

I have loved this story since I was you young and as a lifelong pursuit I am hoping to start a collection of antique fairytale books. I place a lot of value on finding a good condition of this particular book but am also just starting to learn about collecting! I have attached the book below. It is listed for 234 dollars. Does this book hold that value? What are some good resources to gain knowledge on collecting these treasures? Any information you have would be very helpful!

A:  In my opinion that book is massively overpriced.
It was published in 1915 as part of the Vademecum Series and originally came within a labeled box.
See: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

Generally the Alice's with fancy illustrated covers sell for decent money whereas the rest are common and not avidly collected.

There are not any really good price guides. You can go to Ebay and look at what books sold for.

The prices on the book sites are extremely variable and very deceptive. The dealers can list a book for any price and a number of the overpriced books have been on the site for many years.

There is a Lewis Carroll Society and it might be helpful.
Lewis Carroll Society of North America – Official website of the LCSNA

Devotional Series

Q:  I stumbled on this copy of Lowell's Poems, and in trying to research it a bit, I stumbled on your site. Cool work!
Based on what I'm seeing on your site, it looks like this copy is pre-1900, but I couldn't find the title in the non-series work or this cover in the series' you've got.

A:  This book is part of a publisher's series called the "Devotional Series".
All of the titles in this series are reprints.
It was published in 1895.
For more information see: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series75.htm

Vademecum Series

Q:  Today I purchased "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and I'm not sure how to tell how old the copy is. It is definitely a Henry Altemus Published book, but everywhere I look, I don't see any other copy like it.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1899.
See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  Can you tell me anything about this book? Thank you

A:  Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1899.
It originally came within a labeled box.
It is a reprint.

See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series143.htm

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello, I recently came into possession of a box of books my mother collected from yard sales and estate sales as a teenager. She has always had an affinity for vintage books, a trait I have inherited.

In the box was a copy of Edgar Allen Poe's Weird Tales and according to the fly leaf it was printed and bound by The Henry Altemus company. I was wondering if there was anything you might be able to tell me about it I'm having trouble finding more information online.

A:  Your book was published in 1899 as part of the Vademecum Series.
It is a reprint.

See: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  I purchased this book today (The Chimes). The date on the inside is 1903 on a hand written inscription but no printed date. I can't seem to determine which series it's from.

A:  Your book was published in 1901-1902 as part of the Petit Trianon Series.

The cover illustration was drawn by Alphonse Mucha.