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.

Waistcoat Pocket Series

Q:  Hello,
Might you have any information about this book? The Eve of St. Agnes

A:  Your book is part of the ten title Waistcoat Pocket Series.

It was published between 1906 and 1910. All the volumes in this series are reprints.

Originally it came within a labeled box. See here for an example.

It only has nominal value.

Waistcoat Pocket Series

Q:  I read about this series on your site. It's a great site! Picked this up at an estate sale. A Dream of Fair Women. Can you estimate the value?

A:  This book is part of Format 3 of the ten volume Waistcoat Pocket Series. These little 4.5" x 3' books originally came within labeled box. An example is shown here.

These reprints only have nominal value.

Waistcoat Pocket Series

Q:  My mother was given this book (Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam) and I found it going through some of her things. Could you tell me anything about it?

A:  This book is part of the Waistcoat Pocket Series.

The ten book series was published between 1906 and 1921. These miniature books came in several formats and sizes. They all were originally sold within a labeled box. An example of a box is shown here. Covers of limp lambskin, velvet calf and boards have all been seen.

Waistcoat Pocket Series

Q:  I am having a hard time finding information on this book and was hoping for some insight and value of possible. Thank you. Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

A:  Your book is part of the Waistcoat Pocket Series.

It is Format 3 in that series and was published between 1911 and 1921. It originally came in a labeled box.

It only has nominal value.

Waistcoat Pocket Series

Q:  This little book (Songs of Shakespeare) is published in 1906 by Henry Altemus Company. I could not find any info on the web about it. I would like to have more info like its value on the open market today, part of a series etc?

A:  Your book is part of the Waistcoat Pocket Series. See ../series/series184.htm.

This book is a reprint and was originally published with a labeled box. It only has nominal value.

Waistcoat Pocket Series

Q:  I would like some information about my Henry Altemus Co. book. I could not find it on your website...

It is a suede bound small book called "Songs of Shakespeare" Philadelphia copyright 1906 by Henry Altemus. It is still in the box, covered with a sheer paper cover, the edges and title are gold gilt. It is a collection of sayings from characters in Shakespeare's works. I don't think it's ever been fully out of the box.

It is only 4.5" x 3".

A:  Your book is part of the Waistcoat Pocket Series and can be found here in the Format 3 books: Series 184

Usually these books bring only nominal dollars but with a nicely labeled box it might sell for as much as $20-35.

Waistcoat Pocket Series

Q:  can you tell me anything about this book, i think its the fifth edition, it has 107 pages and 1 illustration in the front and is it worth anything 4 3/8x2 7/8 suede i think. and is it worth anything?

A:  This series (Waistcoat Pocket Series) of 10 books had three formats, the last of which is where this books belongs. Limp velvet with gold gilt script writing. All of the books originally came in a labeled box. An example of the box is shown here.

Unfortunately the titles are not very collectible and without the box the book has little value.

As an aside, this book was reprinted from an earlier edition and is not, in fact, the "fifth edition".

Wee Books for Wee Folks

Q:  Is this valuable? Peter Rabbit

A:  Nice book. It is the second American edition of this title.

See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/peter_rabbit/peterrabbit.htm

My estimate $15-50.

The American first edition was published early in 1904.
(First American edition)

Wee Books for Wee Folks Series

Q:  I am trying to get the value of my 1904 Peter Rabbit book and possibly see if you're interested in buying it.

So, when I was about 5 years old I found this book in my attic in this built-in window bench that we uncovered when my parents were remodeling.
I saw online that you actually had a picture of the one I have and no other sites have and I looked forever.

If you could please get back to me at your earliest convenience with any info about the value of my book I would greatly appreciate it. My contact info is below and I have attached photos I took for you to look over. There are random blank pages in the book and I could send more photos if needed.

A:  In great shape this book can sell for upwards of $50. It just depends upon who is looking at the time. In less than great condition (your book), it will sell for less.

I am not interested in purchasing another copy.

If you sell it, make sure to note that it is the first American edition of this title.

For more information see: Henry Altemus Co - Peter Rabbit First Edition

Wee Books for Wee Folks

Q:  Hello, I have just come across a wonderful version of 1st American Edition Peter Rabbit Wee Books series. Green(ish) cover. I feel that the book is not complete as it says on the title page that there are thirty-one illustrations—I only counted 20+. The pages are also separated from the spine some by signatures (some not and individual pages)...rightfully so, it is over 113 years old. I’m wondering what the value is on such a rare find in this condition would be.

My question too is, how can I compare my books illustration and pagination to get the book in order (outside of knowing the story line). It seems as though the blank pages are counted in the folio.

A:  Your copy is not the true first edition. See here for information about the first and second editions: http://henryaltemus.com/peter_rabbit/peterrabbit.htm

In this shape the book has little or no value. These copies are not that rare.

The only way to order the pages is to compare them to a complete book. If you want to scan the pictures, I can put them in the correct order.