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.

Platt and Munk Wee Books for Wee Folks

Q:  Hi…. I have what appears to be a set of Wee Books For Wee Folks published by Platt & Munk, most of which have a copyright date of 1935 although not all. There are 28 books. I’m not sure if they should have dust jackets or if they came without them. The books are in a little bookcase which has no markings but seems to be made for them. And of course I am wondering what their value would be.

A:  They all came with dust jackets originally. But when they were sold as this bookcase set, I am not certain that the jackets were included. It looks like you have the later reprints. For a general review of the Platt and Munk reprints see http://henryaltemus.com/reprints/platt.html

You obviously have a nice set although the absence of any dust jackets does reduce the value significantly.

The Sambo and Peter Rabbit books are the most collectible.

Although I cannot be certain, I believe your little book case is original and was made for the set. I say that because I have one that is identical with most of the books that are in your set.

Value is a hard question. Your set is great and looks to be in wonderful shape. Having said that the interest is somewhat limited. Certainly $100 is not unreasonable and perhaps more if the right buyer happens to see them. Appreciate that if you sell them separately a number of them will be very difficult to unload at any price.

Doris Force Series

Q:  I noticed you have a biblio for the Doris Force books, and you have the last 2 dated at 1932. However I have a copy of Doris Force at Barry Manor (fine in a near fine dj) by Donohue and the copyright info is "MCMXXXI, by H.A. Co." Obviously that is 1931. How did that discrepancy come about?

A:  The copyright of Barry Manor is 1932.

As you can see Altemus had the original copyright in August of 1932.

Donohue reprinted this book several years later. They probably just copied the date down wrong!

Young Engineers Series

Q:  Hello, I obtained this book from an estate sale (The Young Engineers in Mexico). Was wondering what the worth was and if it is a desirable collectible. I have attached photos for your review. Thank you very much.

A:  This book is part of the Young Engineers Series (http://henryaltemus.com/series/series34.htm). This is part of the third format of this series and was published in the mid-late 1920's. Without a dust jacket these Altemus juvenile series books seldom sell for more than a few dollars. Because your book is not in the best shape, you most likely will have difficulty selling it at any price.

Altemus Library

Q:  Hi, I recently found this old copy of Ralph Waldo Emerson's Emerson's Essays (First Series) and I cannot seem to find it on your website. According to the first page it was printed in Philadelphia by Henry Altemus in 1892 and I was just wondering if you had any information on it. Attached is a scan of the cover.
Thank you for your time.

A:  Your book is pictured as #6 on this page. http://henryaltemus.com/series/series37.htm. The Altemus library was Altemus' first "publisher's series". All 41 books are reprints of various works of fiction, poetry, essays, etc. Interestingly, it is the only publisher's series in which each book has a different cover design.

Since your book is a reprint and in poor shape, it has only nominal value.

Altemus Library

Q:  Hello, I stumbled upon your website trying to find information about a book I have acquired. It is "Tales from Shakespeare" by Charles and Mary Lamb. The only date I can find is 1894. I might be looking to sell it. Do you have any information or know if it is worth anything? I have attached photos.

A:  Your book is part of the Altemus Library. See http://henryaltemus.com/series/series37.htm It originally came with a dust jacket.

Unfortunately in poor condition it really has only nominal, if any, value.

Altemus Library

Q:  I have a small book called, Chesterfield's Letters? It is gray with a silver and red coat of arms on the front? On the edge of the book it says Altemus, and inside there is a script that says Letters, Sentences and Maxims - Lord Chesterfield Henry Altemus Philadelphia. Then there is a page that feels different from the other pages that has a picture of Philip, Earl of Chesterfield? It has a piece of what looks like onion cloth protecting that page? The next page says; Letters, Sentences, and Maxims by Lord Chesterfield, Philadelphia, Henry Altemus 1892. 302 pages. What can you tell me about this book?? Is it rare?? Is it of any value??

A:  I assume the book you are referring to is the one I have pictured below. It is part of the Altemus Library, a series published in the early 1890s. It is neither rare or valuable.
You never know what someone will find worth spending money on but if you get more than nominal value for this book, you should consider yourself fortunate.

Altemus Library (2)

Q:  I just purchased this version of the A Christmas Carol. Would appreciate anything you can tell me about it: date published, illustrator, etc.

I have been collecting The Carol for my three children for over 30 years and was very excited to get this edition and learn that Altemus published many versions of The Carol.

Which was the most beautiful edition that Altemus published? Any photos of that edition?

A:  Your version can be found here: http://henryaltemus.com/series/series38.htm

This format originally had a dust jacket which matched the book.

Most of the Altemus Carol's are nice but nothing unbelievable.

There are literally hundreds of different covers.

For a look, see: http://henryaltemus.com/search/titlesearch.php?q=christmas+Carol&Submit=Go

If I was picking one I would go with either this one http://henryaltemus.com/series/series65.htm because it had a nice piece of holly attached to it and it came in a nice floral box or this one http://henryaltemus.com/series/series58.htm

This title was published in many of the publisher's series and they had interesting different covers every year. Look at the series' pictures when using the index.

Virtually every Altemus version of the "Carol" has a representative cover picture on the site.

Altemus Library (2)

Q:  We have this book (The House of the Seven Gables) and as you can see, it is in very good condition. Published in 1892. No dust cover. Can you give us any information regarding its value?

A:  Your book can be found here:
http://henryaltemus.com/series/series38.htm

It was published between 1913 and 1916.

The Altemus copyright refers to the first time Altemus published this title as a reprint in 1892.

It has only nominal value.

Banbury Cross Series

Q:  My name is Emma and I recently bought a book titled "The Fairy Gifts" published by what I believe to be this company, in 1905. I have only been able to find two for sale online both for $89.99, but no information on the book itself. I was inquiring to see if you had any information on whether this book was published by this company and anything about the book at all. I am very interested in anything at all that you can tell me about this book. Also if you have any idea of how much this books is worth. I greatly appreciate any time you take to reply to this message, and any information you have about this book.

A:  Your book is part of the Banbury Cross Series. See http://henryaltemus.com/series/series44.htm

Of course, everyone has an opinion - but the likelihood of anyone selling this book especially without the dust jacket for anything close to $89 is zero.

Although it is a nice book, it is not very widely sought after. Generally when the books of this series sell, it is for $15 or less.

One of the important things to note is that anyone can list a book for any price they want. Selling it is a lot tougher. There are lots of outlandish prices on line for Altemus books. These books most often stay unsold over the months and years.

Banbury Cross Series

Q:  What is the value of this book (Blue Beard)? How should I store it?

A:  Your book is part of the Banbury Cross Series. This ten book series of fairy tales originally were issued with dust jackets. This book without a dust jacket is quite common. I do not think your method of storage can hurt its value.