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 rescued this poor book (Lady of the Lake) at an antique shop but it has not been cared for so the publication date page is missing.

I looked on your site and saw other like it but not this one. Could this possibly be from the 1907 Vademecum series?

A:  Yes, this book is from the Vademecum Series and was published in 1907.
The paste on picture is #18.
For more info see: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series - European Artists

Vademecum Series

Q:  I found a copy of a book published by Henry Altemus Publishing on my mother's bookshelf. She was an avid reader. She left her books to me.

The title of the book is, "Black Beauty." I can't find a publishing date or a Series # to find out its value.

I have attached a copy of the book. I look forward to your input.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1907. It is a reprint.

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

In this condition, in my opinion, it has no monetary value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hi! I picked up this copy of Othello the other day and can’t seem to find another like it online- I'm sure it’s nothing but I wanted to reach out because I saw it on the title list of the mysterious l'art nouveau series. I appreciate any information you can give me!

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series. Published in 1903.
http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

Marqueterie Series

Q:  Hello I have a copy of Master of Ballantrae by Robert Louis Stevenson and would like more information on its value. Could you help?

A:  Your book is part of the Marqueterie Series and was published in 1899.

All the books in this series are reprints.
Since it is a reprint of a not very collectible title, in my opinion it has nominal value.

Famous Red and White Book Series

Q:  This book (Scarlet Letter) has been in our family for years. I would love any information about this.

A:  Your book is part of the "Famous Red and White Book Series". These books are all reprints and were published in 1893-1894.
The preface of your book states "second edition". In actuality, the book is a reprint of the second edition.

Poems We Love Series

Q:  I am looking for information on a soft leather bound of Courtship of Miles Standish printed by the Henry Altemus Co. in Philadelphia. There is no info besides the publisher.

Any information would be helpful.

A:  Your book is part of the "Poems We Love" Series.http://henryaltemus.com/series/series146.htm

It was published between 1912 and 1915.
Originally it came within a labeled box.
An example is shown here.

All of the books in this series are reprints.

Sanspareil Series

Q:  I own an old edition of Black Beauty that indicates Henry Altemus manufactured it and I am trying to determine its value.

A:  A: Your book is part of the Sanspareil Series and was published in 1898. Henry Altemus Company - Sanspareil Series 162 (earlier numbering)
It is a reprint and originally came with a dust jacket.
Since it is one of a myriad of reprints of this title and does not have a unique or fancy pictorial cover, most likely only has nominal value.

Peep of the Day Series

Q:  Greetings! I looked through your website and couldn’t find a date for this book, "The Peep of Day". I checked for dates and addresses and checked the ads in the back, but I couldn’t find anything. I’m attaching a copy of the book cover as recommended. Thank you for your time!

A:  Your book is part of the Peep of the day Series http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series140.htm

This book is a reprint and was published between 1918 and 1928 without any changes.

It originally had a dust jacket. See here.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I recently purchased a hardback book entitled "Of The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas A'Kempis published by Altemus.  The cover is pictured below.  It has no publish date.  Can you help identify when it was published?

A:  A: Your book was published in 1903. It is part of the Vademecum Series.
It is a reprint that originally came within a labeled box.
In my opinion- nominal value.

See: https://henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

Vademecum Series

Q:  I found this little 1899 copy of Walden.
It's very sweet!!
Can you tell me any more?

A:  Your book was published in 1901 as part of the Vademecum Series. See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

It is a reprint. In my opinion it only has nominal monetary value.