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.

Sanspareil Series

Q:  Hello. I have this book, Camille by Dumas, 1898.
I cannot find details. I am wondering its worth.

A:  Your book is part of the Sanspareil Series and was published in 1898.

It is a reprint with nominal value only.

Originally it had a dust jacket. Example is here.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Thank you for any information you may be able to tell me about this book (Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin). It’s got a copyright of 1895. Nothing else as far as when it was printed. Thanks again for anything you can tell me about the book.

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

See: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (early numbering) 179

It is a reprint and has nominal value.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  Good morning,
These are some photos of an old book (Hamlet) I have that was printed by the Henry Altemus Company. I could not find any dates printed inside the book. I am wondering if you could help me to find out how old the book is as well as the value.

A:  Your book was a published in 1900 as part of the Petit Trianon Series (Third numbering) Series 143.

During this year the left side of the volumes had a stereotyped pattern whereas the right half of the cover had one of numerous decorative patterns.

These books also came within a labeled box. See here

Your book has nominal value only.

Good Time Series

Q:  I recently found a book published by Henry Altemus and was hoping to get some more information on it. It is "Laddie" part 5 of the Good Times Series. I will attach pictures of the book. Any information would be helpful!

A:  As you know, your book is part of the Good Time Series. This book is a reprint but with the jacket is quite nice.

Since this title is not in great demand, it has little value.

Beautiful Stories Series

Q:  Hello, I have this (The First Easter) and was wondering if you can give me some info? I did read what you had on your website about it, your books are lovely by the way! It appears it is one of the earlier editions. It is not in the best shape but it is copyrighted 1906. Someone unfortunately took a marker to a name a some point too:/ I'd appreciate any info you have as well as any idea of its value. Thanks so much!

A:  This book is part of the Beautiful Stories Series.

This ten book series had six formats and this is Format #1. It originally came with a dust jacket. See here.

These books are relatively common and only have nominal value.

Young People's Library, Format 4

Q:  Hello I have a book called Tanglewood Tales by Hawthorne. Can you tell me what I have? When it was made and such. I've attached some photos. Thank you.

A:  Your book is part of the Young People's Library, Format 4.

It was published between 1923 and 1933. It originally came with a dust jacket. See here.

This volume is a reprint and has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I bought this book and would love to know when it was published. (Hyperion) Thank you for any information.

A:  Your book was published as part of the Vademecum Series in 1902.

The painting on the front cover is one of more than forty that were used by Altemus for this format. See: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series / European Artists

It originally came within a labeled box. An example is shown here.

As with all of the titles in this series, it is a reprint.

It has nominal value.

One Syllable Series

Q:  I have had no luck of locating much info of this book. (Swiss Family Robinson) Any information I'd appreciate.

A:  Your book is part of the One Syllable Series (Format 2) and was published between 1904-1908. It originally had a dust jacket.

This title is a reprint and has nominal value.

See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series137.htm

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello, I picked up this copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin at a book sale. I'm just kind of wondering what year it was printed. It says Stowe died in 1898 in the “about the author” foreword, so I know it was printed after that, but is there any way you could identify it for me? It's pretty fun just having this in my hands.

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

It is a reprint which originally came within a labeled box. It has nominal value.

For more on the appliqué on the cover see: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series / European Artists

Here is an example of the box.

Young People's Library Format 3

Q:  Hello, I've found an interesting book (Grimm's Fairy Tales) and I'm having a hard time finding a date for the publishing (or honestly any information about it). I was wondering if you could help or even know of a person who could. Thanks.

A:  Your book is part of the Young People's Library. It is a Format 3 book.

There is a flowchart on this page which can help you date your book.

Originally it came with a dust jacket.

It is a reprint with nominal value.