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.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  I have this copy of Black Beauty and would like to know the publication date and if it was part of any printed series like the Petit-Tranon. Any additional information would be greatly appreciated.

A:  Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series. It was published in 1903-1904.

See: Henry Altemus Company - Petit Trianon (Third numbering) Series 143

It is a reprint.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello, I have this copy of Emerson's Essays and would like to know the publication date and if it was part of any printed series like the Vademecum. It says "First Series", what does that mean?

Any additional information would be greatly appreciated.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1904.

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

It is a reprint with nominal value.

Altemus published two books of Emerson's Essays. One is called “First Series". The other is called "Second Series".

Wee Books for Wee Folks Series

Q:  I am trying to get the value of my 1904 Peter Rabbit book and possibly see if you're interested in buying it.

So, when I was about 5 years old I found this book in my attic in this built-in window bench that we uncovered when my parents were remodeling.
I saw online that you actually had a picture of the one I have and no other sites have and I looked forever.

If you could please get back to me at your earliest convenience with any info about the value of my book I would greatly appreciate it. My contact info is below and I have attached photos I took for you to look over. There are random blank pages in the book and I could send more photos if needed.

A:  In great shape this book can sell for upwards of $50. It just depends upon who is looking at the time. In less than great condition (your book), it will sell for less.

I am not interested in purchasing another copy.

If you sell it, make sure to note that it is the first American edition of this title.

For more information see: Henry Altemus Co - Peter Rabbit First Edition

Valenciennes Series

Q:  I have recently come into a nice copy of Thomas Carlyle's Heroes and Hero Worship. It’s undated and I do not see the cover in your archive, and I was hoping you could tell me something about it. It seems like it might be something special from a set maybe? Any info would be most appreciated!

A:  Your book is from the Valenciennes Series and was published in 1898.

See http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series182.htm

It is a reprint with nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello! I found a book (The Magic Nuts) published by Altemus Company, and I was wondering if you could give me a little more info on it or at least help me to date it (I can't find a date inside). I've been looking into this out of curiosity and haven't been able to find much when I found your website. Let me know what you think. Thank you in advance!

A:  Your book was published between 1909-1912 as part of the Vademecum Series. It is a reprint with nominal value.
See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

Vademecum Series

Q:  Can you tell me the date and any information about this book? (What is Art)

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1903. It is a reprint and originally was sold within a labeled box.

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

For more information about this cover see: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series / European Artists

Favorite Series

Q:  Hello, I was wondering if you could give me information on this Alice's Adventures in Wonderland book. All the ones I've found similar have some color this one has no colored picture and seems to have not too much info on it. I've attached some pictures.

If you could give me some information that would be great.

Thank you for your time, much appreciated.

A:  Your book is from the Favorite Series, Format 2. See: Henry Altemus Company - Favorite Series for Young People Series 87

The date of your book can be determined by following the information in Series Note 5 on that page.

The cover is the same as the one used for this title in the Young People's Library, Format 3. Henry Altemus Company - Young People's Library Series 202

Valenciennes Series

Q:  Hi! I have a book (Tales from Shakspeare) that I am trying to figure out it's age. I couldn't find an example of it on your website. Can you help me with that? I've attached pictures for your reference. Thank you for your help!

A:  Your book is part of the Valenciennes Series and was published in 1897.
See: Henry Altemus Company - Valenciennes Series (earlier numbering) 181

It originally came in a labeled box.
It is a reprint.

Sanspareil Series

Q:  Hello found this in my uncle's things is this rare? What year is it from? Lowell's Poems

A:  Your book was published in 1899 as part of the Sanspareil Series. It is a reprint. It is not a very collectible book and only has nominal value.

See: Henry Altemus Company - Sanspareil Series 163 (later numbering-1899)

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have acquired a book which I believe to be at least 100 years old, however I have no information and cannot seem to find information online.
The book is called Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius and has a green cover with floral inlay. 2 bits of information I think is correct is that is was part of the Marqueterie series with a something that was described as sepia etchings to the cover.

I have seen this cover but not for the same book. I have included a picture of the same cover, which is the only book I can find with the same cover but different title.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1900. See: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

This edition is a reprint with nominal monetary value.

During 1900 the books in the Vademecum Series were published with this cover format but in a number of different colors.