Q: I recently acquired a book that I can’t locate anywhere.

It is WEIRD TALES, 1899. What I am finding is that every copy I’ve seen and every other frontispiece illustration used in this printing does not match the one I have. I’ve seen other sellers date this at 1895, when I think it is actually 1899.

The copyright page says 1895, but the illustration says 1899. The illustration is a ghastly color version of the ape cutting a woman’s head off. I have not seen this in color anywhere else but in the book I have.

Can you tell me about it and it’s possible value?

I am a new collector and after perusing the Altemus website, I am a big fan. All of your books are beautiful!

A: Your book is from the Vademecum Series and was published in 1899.

This cover format was published in a number of different colors (some examples are shown below) and sold within a labeled box.

All of the books in this series are reprints. Therefore the value of these titles is somewhat limited. On the other hand, there are Poe completists out there who want every Poe format. One of them might feel this book is worth a bit. Hard to say.