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.

Vademecum Series

Q:  My mother gave me a Treasure Island book. Would you please let me know the year it was printed and the value. Here are a few pictures of the book.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1896.

It is a reprint and worth a few dollars.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Greetings, I found this book with my Uncle's treasured item's. He was born in 1917 and the book was his mother's. Wondering if it is worth keeping? Picture of cover and title page below. Also, as an attachment is the signature and date of owner which is inscribed on the page opposite the front cover. The Princess and Maud. Thanks much.

A:  Your book is from the Vademecum Series and was published in 1897.

All of the titles in this series are reprints so only a very collectible title has any value. This title is not one of the valuable ones.

In 1897 this format was seen with a number of different color covers. Some are shown here.

This series was originally sold within a label box. See here for an example.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have been trying to get an idea of the age of this book. Whittier's Poems. It has printed 1896, but I have come to understand that may not be the actual age. Can you give me any information on this book?

A:  This book is part of the Vademecum Series series and was published in 1896. Usually, not always though, if an Altemus book has a date at the bottom of the title page, that is the publication date. The Tale of Peter Rabbit is one well known exception.

This format was mostly seen in 1895 but as is apparent with your book, it was also seen in 1896. These books have been seen with many different color covers. Some examples are shown here.

As with all of the titles in the Vademecum Series, it is a reprint.

For more information see http://henryaltemus.com/series/series179.htm.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I recently came upon this copy of Chesterfield's Letters published in 1894. I was wondering if it has any value to someone who collects books and if so, how do I find a buyer? Thank you so much, have a wonderful day.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series. See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series179.htm

Your book is a reprint and has nominal value only.

Vademecum Series

Q:  What can you tell me about this book? Weird Tales

A:  This book was published as part of the Vademecum Series in 1895. It is a reprint as are all of the books in this series.

In 1895 this basic cover design was seen in a number of different colors. Some examples are shown here.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have 3 books from Altemus with the following titles; Essays by Bacon, Heroes and Hero Worship by Carlisle, Greek Heroes by Kingsley. They must have been a gift as they are all dedicated to Georgia P. Taylor from Elsie, birthday June 29 '98. Is there any value to the books.

A:  These books are part of the Vademecum Series and were published in 1897.

The 1897 cover formats were seen in numerous colors. Some examples are shown here. The books were originally sold within a labeled box. See here.

All of the titles in this series are reprints. Since your books do not have titles that are especially desired, their value is minimal.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello, Trying to identify this book published by Henry Altemus company. In the pink border is the date of HA 1842 but I know this is probably the date of the company inception. On the website I could not find this cover color or any other information except in the prose book section on this piece. Any information that you could shed on this piece would be appreciated. The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1897.

The 1842 date noted on the title page does represent the year of Altemus and Co.'s establishment.

Vademecum Series

Q:  My cover does not match any I saw on your site. Appreciate any info. The Light of Asia

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1897. All of the books in this series are reprints and originally came within labeled boxes. (see here)

During 1897 the covers of this series came in multiple covers. Some example are shown here.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello, could you please tell me about this book ? I can't seem to find anything about it. Appreciate it!! The House of the Seven Gables

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series. It was published in 1894 and is a reprint. Originally it came in a labeled box. It has only nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hi, I've recently come across a copy of A Wonder Book from between 1890-1899. Attached are a few photos. I was hoping you could tell me a publishing date & a value, as I cannot seem to find a similar copy online; besides 1 rare $6,000.00 copy.

I look forward to hearing back from you (hopefully with good news), & thank you in advance for taking the time out of your day to look at my book.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1898. It is a reprint and originally came within a labeled box.

It is worth maybe a few dollars.