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:  Is this book worth anything? The Queen of the Air

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1904. This title is a reprint as are all of the titles in this series. Originally this volume came with a labeled box. A representative box is shown here.

These 1904 books have been seen in numerous colors. There are four different flower pictures that were used for the paste-on strips on the front cover.

Unless the title is one that is collectable, the books generally only have nominal value.

Boys and Girls Series Classics (old)

Q:  What year is this book (A Christmas Carol) really? Is it a reprint? What is its worth? Thank you.

A:  Yes, it is a reprint. This format was published between 1900 and 1906. It originally came with a labeled box. The first American edition of the Christmas Carol was published in 1844.

Your book is part of the Boys and Girls Classics Series. On the website there is an explanation of how to date your book more precisely -using the ads in the back of the book.

Classics Series

Q:  Hello, I've been meaning to look into the worth of my book, Poe's Poems. It's a small little green hardcover book without much information. I will include some photos for your review.

A:  Your book is part of the Classics Series and was published in the 1907-1909 era. It originally came with a dust jacket.

This book will be hard to sell for more than a few dollars.

Beauxarts Series

Q:  Hello, I am trying to locate the value of this book. It is in excellent condition. Since it wasn't dated I was able to find that information on your website. Which was very helpful. I haven't been able to find its value. Can you help me?

A:  Your book is part of the Beauxarts Series.

It was published in 1898. Several different color patterns have been seen. They are shown on the series page.

All of the titles within this series are reprints and have little value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  is this book (A Christmas Carol) worth anything? #34 looks nice, small

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1912-1913. It is a reprint.

A hardcore Dicken's fan might pay $10-20 but otherwise it would sell for just a few dollars.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  I have a hard cover copy of The Song of Hiawatha with a different cover than any you show here. It is beautiful and in excellent condition with gold details and red carnations on the cover. Does that mean it was published later that 1898? The gift message inside is dated 1907. Thank you for your time!

A:  Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1907. The acorn pattern surrounded one of four different flowers. All of the titles in this series are reprints.

It was originally published within a labeled box. A picture of the box is shown here.

It only has nominal value.

Golden Treasury Series

Q:  I have a book called "Christian Living" written by F.B. Meyer and have attached a picture of cover and a few pages in the book. It has a green cover with flowers on front. There is an inscription on one of the front pages that says "Presented To Henry Bush Christmas 1906". I have been looking for a book like this on the internet for quite a while and have yet to find one. I'm hoping that you can help me with a few questions. It does not have a publish date and I also wonder if you can tell me what the value may be on it. I am interested in selling it but want to make sure I put the right price on it.

A:  Your book is from the Golden Treasury Series and was published in 1899.

Although it has a nice decorated cover and is in good shape, it will be hard to sell for more than a few dollars. There is very little demand for this title.

Of interest is that the cover was published in several different colors. They are shown on the series page.

Non Series

Q:  I have a set of William Shakespeare books published in 1891. It says set of four original binding. I'm just curious about their history. Some of the information provided on your site doesn't seem to match my books.

A:  This four volume set of Shakespeare's Works can be found here: Non Series #127. The set originally came within a box which was sold for $5.00.

This set is not nearly as common as the 31 volume set published between 1899-1930's. See Shakespeare's Plays.

Your set seems to be very similar if not exactly the same as the one shown on the website.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Herewith find photo attached of cover of The Pilgrim's Progress. Binding is intact, all pages are attached to binding. Please kindly advise if you wish to purchase or can recommend how much to ask and where to offer to sell. Thank you.

A:  This book was published in 1904 in the Vademecum Series. This year's books were published in a number of different colors. There were four flower patterns noted.

Since all of the titles in this series are reprints, only certain very collectible titles have any value. Your title is not within this select group and thus will be hard to sell for more than a few dollars.

The flower pictures are shown here.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello, I sent you this email a few days ago, before posting this book on eBay, but I think you may not have received it via Outlook, so I'm trying again.

I can’t seem to find this floral binding with its beautifully decorated front and rear boards, and spine, for Bab Ballads anywhere on your outstanding, invaluable Web site. So it's up on eBay now, and I'd appreciate any information you can give me on it.
Thanks so much!

A:  I did not receive your previous email. Sorry.
Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1896. A sample book cover is shown on that page.

Your title is a reprint and has nominal value only.