Q: I found this book at a garage sale the other day, I have scanned all the google info on Cranford: Mrs. Gaskell that I can possibly absorb and have yet to find an image that looks exactly like this book. I did find a Benjamin Franklin book from the same “Henry Altemus – Philadelphia” that has the exact same hardback binding, coloring, and design – just totally different content and titling was within it. Just curious as to why I don’t see this particular combination of hardback and content within the pages of Google that I have combed so far. Hoping you might be able to clue me in on the specifics of this magnificent little story book – it would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

A: Your book is an 1896 publication and is part of the Vademecum Series.

This title was reprinted by numerous book publishers in the 1880-1900 range. There are hundreds of different formats in various color covers, etc. Any one version might be hard to find. For instance your book but with an orange cover. But finding the title in a reprint is very easy. For that reason, unless your title is one that is coveted by collectors, it has only nominal value.