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.

La Belle Fleur Series

Q:  I came across this copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and am unable to properly date the work. Would you be able to help me based on the pictures I provided? If you need any more information, please let me know.

A:  Your book was published in 1901 as part of the La Belle Fleur Series.
This book originally came with a dust jacket. It is a reprint.
For more information see: Henry Altemus Company - La Belle Fleur Series 115

Esperance Series

Q:  I am trying to get more info on a copy of Rip Van Winkle that I have. Your site is an incredible resource and I think I know where the book came from but any help would be appreciated. It is a soft suede like green cover which seems to match the Petit Trianon series 3rd numbering, format 2 but it could also be format 5. Title page says
Philadelphia
Henry Altemus Company

I have attached a copy of the cover below. Any info regarding the books series, year or rarity would be a help to me.

A:  Your book is actually part of the Esperance Series and was published between 1905-1909.
See: Henry Altemus Co - Esperance Series 79

It originally had a little ribbon on the cover and was sold within a labeled box.

Sanspareil Series

Q:  This is The Scarlett Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne.
I am wondering if it has any value.

A:  Your book is part of the Sanspareil series and was published in 1899.

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

It is a reprint and unfortunately only has nominal value.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  Hello! Any info you could give me on this (possible value, best place to try and sell it) would be great, thank you! The Pilgrim's Progress

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

See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series143.htm

It is a reprint of a title that is not in great demand. The book's condition is poor. In my opinion it has little or no monetary value.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  I am looking information about this book please.

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

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

It is a reprint of little or no monetary value.

Boys and Girls Classics (New)

Q:  I have just today found this on my dusty bookshelf (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland)- I honestly don’t know where it came from, no name or any marks inside. It is gently foxed, and the cover is charming… if it is worth nothing to collectors, I’ll keep it for the sharp text and images (letterpress?) and the excellent scent of history.

A:  Your book is part of the Boys and Girls Classics Series.

See: Henry Altemus Company - Boys and Girls Classics (new) Series 57

It is a reprint and was published in the early to mid 1910's.

It is missing the front cover paste on but in fairness most people would not know.

There are lots of "Alice" collectors and although the cover does not relate directly to Alice, there are still people who might find your book desirable.

Price can be very random. I have seen sales anywhere from $10-50. But sometimes it does not sell at all.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  I tried to find a book (The Song of Hiawatha) such as this on your website but was not very successful. There is no date inside the book. In addition to the beauty and sentimentality of the book does it have any monetary worth?

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

See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series143.htm

It is a reprint of a title that is not in much demand.

I would think it has nominal value only.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have possessed this lovely book for many years, Lowell's Poems.

I did not see photos of this book on your website. It appears to have been printed in 1899 by Henry Altemus, Manufacturer, Philadelphia.

Can you provide any additional details of my book, how many were printed in 1899?

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

See: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

There are no records regarding the number printed.

Your edition is a reprint of a title which is not in demand.

It only has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I recently found a book by your company at my mom's house (The House of the Seven Gables). I could not find any date in the book maybe you could give me some info on it.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1901.

See: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

For more about the appliqué picture on the cover, see: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series / European Artists

(Your pic is #10)

This book is a reprint with nominal monetary value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have a copy of Carmen that I'm trying to find the date of, the closest I can guess is 1896 or 1897. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

A:  1896.

See: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series (early numbering) 179