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:  My sister sent this book to me as a birthday present. (Treasure Island) I did not find an image of it on the website. I did find the book. Can you tell me more about it?

It is part of the later Illustrated Vademus Series?

A:  Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1907. See: Henry Altemus Company - Petit Trianon (Third numbering) Series 143
It is a reprint.
It originally came in a labeled box (See website).

Sanspareil Series

Q:  I have a copy of the Henry Altemus 1898 book A Window in Thrums with the oval frame, green cover and red-orange flowers, by J. M. Barrie.
It's a delightful little book and has been well-loved but still in good condition. It has an inscription and quotes inside.
I'm wondering if it has value today as I've searched on-line and haven't found this version.

A:  Your book is part of the Sanspareil Series and was published in 1898. See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series162.htm

Because your book is only in fair condition and this title is a reprint which is not really in demand by collectors, it only has nominal value.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  Hi! This is a copy of "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson I was reading. I would love to have some info about this book. I would like to know what series and year this was published. I would also like to know an approximation of its worth.

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

The 1898 books have a stereotyped left half of the cover with various decorative patterns on the right half. Many of the cover patterns (including yours) are shown on the website.

This book is a reprint with nominal value.

Love and Friendship Series

Q:  I am pricing items of my mother’s estate and am wondering if this book has any value. Old Christmas

A:  Your book is from the Love and Friendship Series. Henry Altemus Company - Love and Friendship Series 127

It was published in the early 1900's.
It is a reprint with nominal value.

Boys and Girls Classics

Q:  I am trying to find some information on two books that came into my possession.

I tried to find the information on your website about a possible publication date for both Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass. You’ve listed a much later publication date for Through The Looking Glass than what’s inscribed in the book. It has a personal inscription of Christmas 1871.

A:  These books are part of the Boys and Girls Classics Series. Henry Altemus Company - Boys and Girls Classics (old) Series 58

This series was published between 1899 and 1906.

Altemus was only publishing Bibles and photographic albums until 1889. The inscription of 1871 has no relationship to when this book was published by Altemus.

Boys and Girls Classics

Q:  Hello, I have attached a photo of an Altemus copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. I have searched for a similar copy in various resources and have looked through your website. There I found numerous copies but did not find an image of this edition. I suspect it is part of the Vademecum Series. Can you provide any additional info on the copy?

A:  Your book is part of the Boys and Girls Classics Series. See: Henry Altemus Company - Boys and Girls Classics (old) Series 58

It is pictured on that page as #88.
Using the chart on that page you can easily date your book.
In my opinion it has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello. I was wondering if you had any information on this book, The House of the Seven Gables, with this specific cover (design, color)? I’ve been unable to find it on the internet. I was curious about when it was from.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1899. See http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

The cover design was used for all the books in this series published in this year.

The color was one of a number of colors used.

Devotional Series

Q:  Hello, I am attempting to research numerous books owned by my grandfather. I found this lovely volume entitled Buy Your Own Cherries. I’m curious as to when it was published and if there is any value in it? I appreciate your help.

A:  Your book is part of the Devotional Series and was published in this format between 1898-1924. See: Henry Altemus Company - Devotional Series 75

It is a reprint without any monetary value.

Sanspareil Series

Q:  I was passed down this book by my great great grandmother who had it passed to her by her mother I'm not worried about what its worth money wise except for ins if needed.

A:  Your book is part of the Sanspareil Series and was published in 1898.  Henry Altemus Company - Sanspareil Series 162 (earlier numbering)

It originally came with a dust jacket. See here.
It is a reprint and need not be insured since its monetary value is less than $10.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I just came across your site today and thought you might be able to assist me. I received this book Treasure Island by Robert L Stevenson and would like to know if it is rare and possibly know it’s value. I’m assuming it’s from early 1900’s. I also attached another page it has somebody’s name but can’t read it. Thanks for your assistance.

A:  This book was published in 1909-1912 as part of the Vademecum Series.
It originally came in a red box.
See: https://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

It is neither rare nor valuable. Nominal value only.