Q: Hello, I was reviewing your website http://www.henryaltemus.com and decided to contact you regarding the series 167 “Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass” pictorial cover. I have a blue cloth cover with silver, red and orange colors on the front dated 1895. It also has gilt text block at the top. It is in fair shape but solid reading copy with floral end plates. This issue is more likely the “best made and most valuable” you stated. I’m a bit confused about selling this book. What would be your best guess for selling this book?

A: In 1895 Altemus published the Carroll books for the first time. Two combination books (Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass) were published in two different series. Within Series #167 Standard 12 Mo. the book was printed in two different formats. One book has crushed levant with a silver decorative pattern on a maroon cover (Other colors have been seen). The other book has a wonderful pictorial cover in silver and inks (Your book). These books are 7.5 x 5.5 and probably Altemus’ best made Alice books. My opinion notwithstanding, these two books should be the most valuable of all Altemus Carroll’s. They are very scarce and are the first Altemus combination books. This pictorial cover format is especially unique.