Q: I have a book entitled Lives of the Presidents of the United States, 1896 copyright by Henry Altemus. It is listed as book 13 on your list. It is blue cloth, with Altemus’ name on the spine. The Presidents range from George Washington to Benjamin Harrison. The book is in fairly good condition, except the spine is loose, but still attached. The original cost of the book is listed inside as .50. I am eager to learn if this book is considered antique and if so, what is the estimated value.

A: This title was published in the Young People’s Library between 1896 and about 1913. Three different formats have been seen.

The books can be dated by noting the last president mentioned in the text. The earliest book therefore ends with Grover Cleveland while the latest book notes Woodrow Wilson.

I have not seen a book which lists only to Harrison who finished his term in 1893. Since this title was not published until 1896, it is hard to know why your book does not list Cleveland.

See http://henryaltemus.com/blog/?p=832.

Other formats:

Q: Hello, I found this book and was wondering how old and how much is it worth. The is no title page and I had no idea who the author was until I looked it up. The Chimes. Thank you.

A: Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1908-1909.

It was originally sold within a labeled box. See below.

It is a late reprint and only has nominal value.

Q: Do you recognize this book/cover and could you possibly give me any info as to age, value, and edition? Grimm’s Fairy Tales

A: 1922 edition. See Non Series #64 Grimm’s Fairy Tales

In mediocre condition without the dust jacket this book is worth between $10 and $20.

The 1918 non-series title is shown below.

Q: Die Dore Bibel – Gallerie

Enter according to Act of Congress, in the year 1890 By Henry Altemus in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington D. C.
Illustrirt von Gustave Dore’
Completely in German with pictures
Excellent Condition

Is this worth anything?

A: This series of seven books is among the most desired of Altemus publications. Even though the titles are relatively easy to find in one of the formats, the Dore illustrations are still quite widely collected.

Die Dore Bibel Gallerie is the least commonly found title in the series. It is a German translation of the Dore Bible Gallery which is also part of the series.

See Dore’s Masterpieces for more information.

Q: To whom it may concern; I was wondering if you could give me some information on this book? A Christmas Carol (Such as publish date and is it part of a set.) Thank you.

A: Your book is part of the La Belle Fleur Series and was published only in 1901. All 115 titles in this series are reprints.

The cover pattern for all of the volumes is the same but the colors varied. These books had dust jackets.