All of the Altemus publisher’s series’ books either had a dust jacket or came within a labeled box. In 1904 the books of the Vademecum Series have been seen with nine different cover colors. On the covers there are two appliqués (paste-ons) which on any one book has one of four flowers (Orchid, Queen Anne’s Lace, Iris or Nasturtium).

Here is a nice example of a boxed 1904 Vademecum book which has the Iris flower appliqué. Note that all of the boxed books had glassine covers.

Here is an 1851 book bound by Altemus and Co.

Christmas Blossoms by Uncle Thomas. Published by E. H. Butler & Co. 1851

Although this book cover does not indicate Altemus as the binder as the other Christmas Blossoms’ books, there is little doubt that Altemus did the binding of this book. Note the vases on the 1848 and 1849 books. All the vases on all three vases are identical. These vases plus the fact that Altemus did the other two Christmas Blossoms’s books make it a certainty that Altemus bound this book.

1848

1849

1851

Today I am adding a picture of the dust jacket for this Young People’s Library book. This is a 1913 book.

Q: Hello, I have an old Evangeline book and have no idea when it was published, I have searched your site and have not found it. I have attached some pictures. If you could let me know that would be great.

A: This book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1899.

It is a reprint and originally came in a labeled box.

In this shape it has no collector value.

Q: Hello ~ my father gifted me the copy of Black Beauty his father received December 25, 1914: the date is inside the cover along with his name. I have looked all through the book to try and identify the date it was printed to no avail. I’ve also gone through your website and did not find the cover so I was happy to see to I had the opportunity to take a picture and send it to you.

I appreciate any info you may be able to relay to me on our little piece of history!

A: Your book is pictured on the website. This book is part of the Young People’s Library. I cannot determine which format (2 or 3) it is part of by looking only at the cover. The different formats can easily be distinguished by the particular spine pattern.

The way to get more information about your book is to go here: http://henryaltemus.com/ypl/index.htm.
Click on the appropriate Format based on the spine design of your book.

Format 2 was published between 1898 and 1902 whereas Format 3 was published between 1903-1923.

Format 2

Format 3