Altemus published the two Alice books in numerous formats. For the most part they are relatively common books. Unfortunately they are also among the most commonly incorrectly described Altemus publications. Today on Ebay about half of the 20 plus Altemus Alice’s that are for sale are dated wrong.

The first rule of thumb is that since Altemus incorporated in 1900 a book that has the Henry Altemus Company imprint on the title page has to be from 1900 or later.

Here are some examples from Ebay.

THROUGH Looking GLASS Alice WONDERLAND 1897 RARE Lewis CARROLL Tenniel ENGRAVING

Reality: This book is from the Little Men and Women Series (http://henryaltemus.com/series/series125.htm) which was published between 1907 and 1925. The ads in the back and on the dust jacket can help determine the date.

Through The Looking Glass 1897 Lewis Carroll COLOR Tenniel illustrations NIC

Reality: This book is part of either Series #200 Young Folks Quarto Series or its successor Series #64 Children’s Gift Series.
These series were published between 1912-1920.

ALICE ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND-LEWIS CARROL-1897-VERY NICE COPY-COLLECTIBLE!

Reality: This is a Format 3 Young People’s Library book published at its earliest in 1902. See http://henryaltemus.com/series/series202F3.htm
These later Young People’s Library books are frequently thought be to 1897 publications because the copyright date is on the title page, But again note the Henry Altemus Company imprint. At $329 buy it now it is not exactly a bargain.

To help you accurately identify Altemus Alice’s see http://henryaltemus.com/alice/alice.htm.