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.

Diplome D'Honneur Series

Q:  Hello, While going through boxes from my mother's estate, I came across this book (The Song of Hiawatha), and wonder if you can give me more information about it. While the interior pages are in good condition, the covered is somewhat soiled and a little worn, as you can see. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

A:  Your book was published in 1902 as part of the Diplome D'Honneur Series.

The cover is quite unique. The right half is made of brocaded satin.

The book is a reprint and only has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Front cover and inside illustration The Scarlet Letter, printed 1900 (Henry Altemus Company Philadelphia), Vademecum Series. Your website shows this cover on 'Black Beauty'. What is value? Someone is selling same on ebay, item # 360563665636 for $1,499.95. Thanks for info.

A:  This book was published in 1900 as part of the Vademecum Series. It originally came within a labeled box. As with all the titles in this series, it is a reprint.

This is a book that sells, if at all, for a few dollars.

Anyone can list anything on EBay for any price. The trick is to sell, not just list, at the high price.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Can you help me pin point a year for this one (Lucile)? I have found similar, but not exact on your web site. Think I have narrowed down the dates from 1909 - 1926, but would like a more precise date if available. Photos attached. Thank you for any help you can give.

A:  This book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published between 1909 and 1912. It originally came within a labeled red box.

This book as well as all the other books in this series is a reprint and only has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Idylls of the King. Any help would be amazing. I can't find any title page giving copyright or anything. Thank you!

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published between 1909-1912.

Originally it came in a red labeled box.

At one time there was a paste-on (appliqué) on the bottom middle of the front cover. You can see what this looked like on the site.

Your book is a reprint and unfortunately has no value.

Eternal Life Series

Q:  I have 1896 Edition of The Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments by Dean Stanley

Can you give me some information and possible worth of this book. Thanks

A:  Your book is part of the Eternal Life Series

It was published between 1896-1898. This book has only nominal value.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  Hello, I have an old Evangeline book and have no idea when it was published, I have searched your site and have not found it. I have attached some pictures. If you could let me know that would be great.

A:  This book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1899. It is a reprint and originally came in a labeled box.

In this shape it has no collector value.

Young People's Library

Q:  Hello ~ my father gifted me the copy of Black Beauty his father received December 25, 1914: the date is inside the cover along with his name. I have looked all through the book to try and identify the date it was printed to no avail. I’ve also gone through your website and did not find the cover so I was happy to see to I had the opportunity to take a picture and send it to you.

I appreciate any info you may be able to relay to me on our little piece of history!

A:  Your book is pictured on the website. This book is part of the Young People's Library. I cannot determine which format (2 or 3) it is part of by looking only at the cover. The different formats can easily be distinguished by the particular spine pattern.

The way to get more information about your book is to go here: ../ypl/index.htm. Click on the appropriate Format based on the spine design of your book.

Format 2 was published between 1898 and 1902 whereas Format 3 was published between 1903-1923.

Classics Series

Q:  We have an old copy of Undine. Doesn't seem to exactly fit any of your photos or descriptions. Small, green cloth cover. 5 1/2" x 4 1/8". Photo attached. Thanks in advance for any info.

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

Bo Peep Series

Q:  I can't find this book anywhere? Little Miss Muffet

A:  This book is part of the eight book Bo-Peep Series. These books were published in 1905 and originally had dust jackets. Each book in the series has a book appropriate paste-on on the front cover.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  I looked at the website but could not find this particular cover, I just wanted to know if you had an idea of how old this book is. The book is Addresses by Phillips Brooks. Thank you.

A:  Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1897. During this year the books all came in labeled boxes.