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.

Popular Series of Famous Authors

Q:  Greetings,
I came across your website in a search for info about a book that has been passed down through my husband’s family. It is an edition of Drummond's Addresses, with 8 stories. Approximate measurement is 4-1/2 x 6 inches. A handwritten inscription reads "To Lizzie from Alice. Christmas 1893."

I've attached photos. Can you tell me anything about this book? I didn't see this particular cover on your website. Is there any resale value?

A:  This book belongs to the seven title Series #150 Popular Series of Famous Authors. This titles previously had been published as a non series book. This is the only Altemus series that uses this particular left sided cover decoration. These books originally had dust jackets.

For more information see: http://henryaltemus.com/series/series150.htm.

Popular Series of Famous Authors

Q:  I found this book in a thrift store. "The House of the Seven Gables" by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Published 1893. Could you tell me anything about it? Thank you.

A:  Your book is part of the "Popular Series of Famous Authors".

It is a late reprint and was published in 1893.

In this shape it has no monetary value.

Popular Series of Famous Authors

Q:  I am trying to find out about this book (Drummond's Addresses). It is signed in front by person giving as a gift on December 25, 1893. Don't know if there is any collector value or not. If you could please advise I would appreciate it.
Thanks.

A:  This book is part of the seven volume Popular Series of Famous Authors.

This series was published in 1893. The left half of the covers have a stereotyped decorative pattern on the vellum. The right half has various designs and the author and title in gilt. The books have dust jackets. Drummond's Addresses is #1 in the series.

All of the titles in this series are reprints and consequently have limited value.

Popular Series of Famous Authors

Q:  Hello, I am inquiring about a copy of "The Scarlet Letter" that has been in my family for several generations. The condition of the book is very poor but it's something I would like to know more about. I have attached pictures of the cover, title page, and the two ad pages in the back. Please do not hesitate if there are other images you may need to determine more. Thank you very much for your time.

A:  Your book was published in 1893 as part of the Popular Series of Famous Authors. This book was originally printed with a dust jacket. The cover usually has outlines and lettering in gold gilt, most of which is gone from your book. This title is a reprint and in this shape has little value.

Printemps Series

Q:  A book in my collection... I'm wondering of its value and rarity. I can't locate a quote on its value. (A Study in Scarlet)

A:  Your book is part of the 25 volume Printemps Series. It was published in 1895.
All of the books in this series are reprints. Most sell for between $10 and $20.

Quiet Hour Series

Q:  Hello,
Please send information you have on this book.

A:  Your book is part of the Quiet Hour Series. Information about this series can be seen at Series 153.

Riviere Series

Q:  Could you tell us the value of this "Old Christmas" Riviere series?

A:  This volume is part of a publisher's series (Riviera Series) of 87 titles, all of which are reprints, and was published in 1901. These books originally came with dust jackets. Because this book is a reprint of a not very collectible title, it only has nominal value. A picture of representative dust jacket is shown on the series page.

Riviere Series

Q:  Hello,
I have attached some photos of the book (Nature, Addresses and Lectures) I have questions about. I found this years ago in an old abandoned house and thought it looked really old. I was just curious you could tell me if its worth anything (monetarily) and about how much. Probably going to hold on to it for awhile but was just curious if it was valuable.

A:  Your book is a reprint and was published in 1901 as part of the Riviere Series. This series consisted of only 87 books and is therefore one of the smaller Altemus publisher's series. All of the titles are reprints. Originally the books came with a dust jacket. The plastic like purple flower is somewhat difficult to find in great shape.

More information can be found at ../series/series158.htm.

It only has nominal value.

Riviere Series

Q:  Can you please help identify this book? Two pics attached.

A:  Your book is part of the Riviere Series which was published in 1901. This series consisted of 87 volumes. The books were reprints of various works of fiction, essays, poetry etc. The books originally came with a jacket, a picture of which is enclosed for your interest. Book covers came in various colors. Your book was volume #35. (The number of books was 87 but the numbering went to 165. Altemus just skipped various numbers).

Rosemonte Series

Q:  Hi, I am sure this happen all the time but I can't find a date on this book (Black Beauty). I am wondering if you can tell me the age? The pages are uneven and really rough cut. The illustrations are mostly black but I think there are 3 or 4 color ones. This one does not have any copyright from what I can see. I have thought of giving this to a family member but don't want to let it go if it is valuable.

A:  I believe that this book was first published in 1915 and then reprinted for a few years thereafter.

It is a late reprint of this title.

Although a very nice book with great illustrations, because there are just so many editions of this title it has no significant value.
See: Rosemonte Series