Many people bought Altemus books in the 1890’s primarily because of the beautiful bindings. As early as the 1840’s Altemus & Company produced books for other publishers with elegant bindings.

Finally when Altemus published photographic albums and Bibles on its own imprint, the well made beautiful bindings did not disappoint. In the 1890’s Henry Altemus published “Presentation Editions” for two series. One was the Dore Masterpieces. The other presented here was for Series #167- The Standard 12 Mo. Series. This series had multiple formats for the 4 books. (http://henryaltemus.com/series/series167.htm).

The book pictured here is Format 6 – Tales from Shakespeare. It is among the nicest Altemus bindings I have seen. The book pictured below was only published in 1895. It is full buckram in gold and inks. Originally it was boxed.

Although it may be hard to appreciate, the gold gilt decorative pattern is embossed.

The Presentation Editions are among the rarest of all Altemus books. Probably limited publications runs is the reason.

It never ceases to amaze me that this book, if it can be found, will sell for only a few dollars and yet many of the cheap common Altemus reprints done later may sell for a premium. But more about that another day.