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.

Golden Treasury Series

Q:  A book (The Prince of the House of David) in good condition is listed for over $2500.00 on (site deleted by me so as not to shame the seller).

I have no intention of buying it but what do you think is the value of the book?

A:  This book is a reprint published as part of the Golden Treasury Series in 1899. See: Henry Altemus Company - Golden Treasury Series 99

On a good day with all the stars and planets aligned, it might sell for $10-15.

The description by the seller claims that the frontispiece is signed by the artist. This signature is a facsimile. See here.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  Hi I'm curious about this book I was given as a gift. If there’s any more information you need I’d be happy to provide it. It came out of an old luggage trunk filled with old books from a relative that passed away quite a while ago. I'm guessing from 1890-1900?

A:  Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1897.

It originally came within a labeled box. During this year, the right half of the covers had numerous designs whereas the left half remained constant.

As with all the books in this publisher’s series, the titles are reprints.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have a Cranford by Ms. Gaskell book that I can’t identify the cover. I think it is 1901 Vademecum Series but not sure, would you know. I have attached the photos. Any help to identify which one this is would be very helpful if you have the time.

A:  You are correct. This book was published in 1901 as part of the Vademecum Series. As with all the titles in this publisher's series, it is a reprint. More than 40 different applique pictures have been seen on this cover template.

The book originally came within a labeled box.

For more information see: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180 and Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series / European Artists

Young People's Library-Format 4

Q:  Can you tell me about this book? The Pilgrim's Progress
Picked it up for a friend because it looked interesting.

A:  Your book is from the Young People's Library-Format 4. It was published between 1923 and 1933. See Henry Altemus Company - Young People's Library Series 202 for exact dating information.

The dust jacket matches the book. This title was also seen with a variant applique on the cover. (Shown here)

Essays of Lord Bacon

Q:  Recently I came into possession of an older Henry Altemus print, "The Essays of Lord Bacon." From what I can find online, it appears to be in the Sanspareil Series, but I am unsure because the marbled cover and binding seem different from the examples on your website.

I have included photos of the title page, as well as the cover and spine. Any help identifying this book would be greatly appreciated.

A:  Your book is either from the Altemus Library (Henry Altemus Company - Altemus Library Series 37), the Laurel Series (Henry Altemus Company - Laurel Series (Two volume sets) Series 119), or the Fairmount Series (Henry Altemus Company - Fairmount Series 83).

In order to determine the exact series the book belongs to you would need the box which the book originally came in. The boxes were labeled with the book title and series name. Unfortunately the boxes are rarely found.

Petite Trianon Series

Q:  Could you tell me about this copy? The Scarlet Letter

A:  Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1903-1904. It originally came within a labeled box. See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series143.htm

It is a reprint and in my opinion, in this condition has nominal value on a good day.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  Please help me determine the year of this book, The Lady of the Lake. I can not find the cover anywhere. If you can share with me the edition and history and if it's rare I would love to hear more. Thank you so much!

A:  Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1908-1909. It originally came within a labeled box. Example shown here.
See: Henry Altemus Company - Petit Trianon (Third numbering) Series 143

It is not a very collectible title and therefore only has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Any info available? (Kidnapped) Value it's worth? Where could I sell?

A:  Your book is from the Vademecum Series and was published in 1898. See: Henry Altemus Co - Vademecum Series (early numbering) 179
It is a reprint.
In my opinion it is only worth a couple of dollars. You could try Ebay.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  Hi – I am trying to determine the date for this book (Undine) but sadly the front page has been torn out. I would appreciate any guidance you could offer.

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

See: Henry Altemus Company - Petit Trianon (Second numbering) Series 142

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  My grandma recently passed and my grandpa gifted me a copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin. I tried to date it using the website but was unable to. Is there anything you could tell me?

A:  Your book is from the Petit Trianon Series. See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series143.htm
It was published in 1903-1905.
It is a reprint.