Q: Hello-
I have a copy of copy of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s , A Wonder Book – publisher Henry Altemus Company.  There is no publishing date but an inscription and date: Margaret Waggener, “Xmas 1894” with additional date 1904.
 
The cover is grey cloth, with two short inset columns ( top right and left sides) with daffodils in yellow and red.  In between the columns is a very ornate design that has worn off the yellow coloring.
 
Can you give me any history information?  Do you know what it’s value would be?

A: This is another publisher’s series book. This is a 1905-1906 Vademecum Series title. The books of this series are perhaps the most common of all publisher’s series books and this is one of the most commonly found covers (years).

The cover has been seen in a number of colors and 4 different applique flowers have been seen.

Because the title and format are not widely collected, the book has only nominal value.

I am unsure what the significance of the inscription of 1894 is except to note that it has nothing to do with the date of this book.
http://henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm