Henry Altemus Company

The following are questions submitted via email by our visitors.

If you have a question about Altemus books that you'd like answered please click on the Questions link at the bottom left of this page.

Dainty Series

Q:  I would like to get some history on the book “The Children’s Shakespeare by Edith Nesbit, published by Henry Altemus Company, Copyright,1900. My wife and I just found this book in an old antique chest that use to belong to her Grandmother. I attached a couple .jpgs (cover and title page) for you to look at.

A:  Your book is part of the Dainty Series. A review of this series can be seen at Series 74. As you can see your book is a later reprint. Originally it had a dust jacket.

Young People's Library (Format 1)

Q:  Can you tell me what the age of this book is (Through the Looking Glass)?

A:  This book was published between 1895 and 1898.

To determine which year it was published in you can refer to the small chart that can be seen at: Young People's Library (Format 1)

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Boys and Girls Classics Series

Q:  Hi: Can you tell me what date the book in the attachment was printed?
Thank you,

A:  Your book belongs to this series:
Boys and Girls Classics Series

It was published in the early to mid teens.

The ads in the back can give a more exact date.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I found this book (Cranford) in an abandoned storage and was trying to get some info on it's value when I came upon your website. Any help or info you might have would be appreciated.

A:  Your book can be found here with the 1899 books: Vademecum Series

Most of the books in the various publisher's series by Altemus have little value without the original box or dust jacket. This book falls in this category.

Sanspareil Series

Q:  I am wondering if you can help me establish the value of Oliver Wendell Holmes’ “Autocrat of the Breakfast Table” published by Altemus in 1899 as a part of the Sanspareil Series (later numbering).

Cover from your own website (below) matches the cover of the copy I have.

A:  Although you have a nice book, it generally does not sell for more than a few dollars. Generally speaking, unless the title is in great demand (not here), these publisher's series reprints without original boxes or dust jackets have little value.

For more on this series see Sanspareil Series

Wee Books for Wee Folks

Q:  Hi! Can you please tell me when this edition of The Tale of Peter Rabbit was published?

A:  Your book can be found here: Peter Rabbit

It was published between 1908-1917. It is the second edition of the second format of the Tale of Peter Rabbit title published by Altemus.

Favorite Series

Q:  I have a copy of Alice in Wonderland from 1897. I was wondering what you could tell me about this book. It has forty-two illustrations in it, and looks like it is in good shape. I was wondering if it worth holding on too and passing down or is it a common book?

A:  Nice book. It is part of the Favorite Series (See: Series 87)

It was published in 1900 or 1901. Originally it had a dust jacket.

This Alice in Wonderland book is much scarcer than the very common Alice from the Young People's Library that seemingly is always for sale by someone on Ebay.

It's value can vary based on who sees the book advertised.

I would think $20-100 would be fair although I have seen it get no offers and have seen a price higher than $100.

Wee Folks Peter Rabbit Series

Q:  In your opinion what would be the value of a Third Edition Altemus Peter Rabbit? I have attached a picture of the actual copy, it seems to be in very rough condition. Thank you so much for your time and help.

A:  This Peter Rabbit Series book is quite common. Because of that it does not have much value.

Without a dust jacket it usually sell for less than $25. In poor shape probably a lot less.

Boys and Girls Classics (new)

Q:  after looking at your website I decided you were the most knowledgeable one to ask about this piece of literature (Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm). It was a gift to my great grandma from her aunt, then to my aunt (who recently pasted), then to me. I just got it yesterday and am about to start reading it. I plan on putting it in my safe for someone told me it was a valuable book. I tried to research it and the only luck I've had is seeing pages from the book on a national geographic web page and another antique web page was selling 4 illustrated pages from the book for $10 each. I have not been able to find any other information on it. If you could tell me more about the book, what it may be valued at, and the best way to preserve it so the pages and cover don't fall out (the first page, which I sent you a picture of, is the only one that has became unattached from the binding) it'd be much appreciated.

A:  You can find your book here Boys and Girls Classics . It is a late reprint.

It is not especially rare or valuable. This particular cover was published between 1908 and the early teens.

Generally when this book sells at all, it is for less than $20. With its original box the price would be significantly more.

If you have other questions, let me know.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Is there anyway you can tell me if this old book of my grandmothers is worth anything and when it was published? Tanglewood Tales

A:  Your book can be found here with the 1904 books. It is part of the Vademecum Series. This long running series of reprints generally changed covers yearly.

Series 180

It only has nominal value.