Altemus occasionally produced books for other companies to claim as their own. These books are identical to the Altemus editions except for the imprint which indicates a company other than Altemus. Examples of these books are hard to find. Here is a new one for the database.

This book has the E. R. Curtis & Co. imprint on the title page but in every other way is identical to the Altemus published book of the same title.
1.The Henry Altemus embossed logo is on the back cover of the book.
2. The front cover is identical to the Altemus Format 2 Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress which was first published in late 1890.
(http://henryaltemus.com/images/NS_28.htm)
3. The title page has Altemus’ Edition at the top.
4. On the copyright page it shows the earliest of the three Altemus Format 2 copyright notices.

Thus, this book was published by Altemus for E. R. Curtis in the early 1890’s.

Today I am adding pictures of the first edition of title #6.
The first edition of books #1-6 only list six titles in the ads at the front. In addition the title on the spine is read from bottom to top. The books of this series all have dust jackets pictures which match the cover.

More information on the editions of this series can be found at Mother Stories Series.

Q: Hello, I was wondering about a book I saw on ebay. i was wondering if it is a first edition like the seller suggests it might be? Any information on this book would be greatly appreciated.

“HERES A VERY OLD ANTIQUE BOOK “POEMS” BY EDGAR ALLAN POE PUBLISHED IN (1895).
ITS ACTUALLY IN GOOD CONDITION FOR BEING 118 YEARS OLD..
THE COVERS ARE STILL ATTACHED, THE BINDING IS GOOD & THE PAGES ARE IN GREAT CONDITION.
I BELIVE THIS IS A 1st EDITION OF THIS BOOK, IT HAS 5 PLATES I COUNTED MIGHT HAVE MISSED ONE.”

A: The book on Ebay is an 1897 book which was published in the Valenciennes Series.

Altemus published this same group of poems in several series as early as 1895. So it is not an Altemus first edition. Also other publishers printed these poems prior to Altemus. So it is not a first edition in any sense.

As is frequently the case with Altemus books, sellers do not do any research and misidentify the books. But unfortunately most buyers take the word of the seller at face value. This book sold for $61. Probably about $50 more than it’s worth.

Q: Hello, I have been searching your website and can’t find this book (Weird Tales). I bought it at an auction in Norton, KS. It is very clean and in good shape, no tears, dog ears, or stains. The front inside cover has been written on and has an address label attached.
Any info you might have and what it might be worth would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

A: This book was published in 1896. It is a reprint and was published within the Petit Trianon Series.

It originally came with a labeled box.

Because this title was published so many times by so many publishers, it has limited value.

Q: I was wondering if you could give me some information on this particular book of poems by Edgar Allan Poe.

A: This book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1902. It originally came with a labeled box. This title is a reprint and was published in numerous formats by Altemus and other publishers of the era. It has minimal value.