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.

Vademecum Series

Q:  i was looking to find some information on a book i have called "The Courtship of Miles Standish" was curious what year it was published. and what kind of value it holds. have sent photo of the book attached. ive had it for at least 30 years. I appreciate your time, and in hopes i will get your reply. no hurry.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1907. It originally came within a labeled box. An example is shown here.

It is a reprint and has nominal value.

During this publication year this book format was published in a number of colors with more than 40 appliqué pictures. See http://www.henryaltemus.com/vademecum.htm

Devotional Series

Q:  Attached is a copy of the cover and title page of "Stepping Heavenward". Can you give me any information on the book and its value?

A:  Your book is part of the Devotional Series and was printed in the 1907 time frame.

It is a reprint and originally was published within a labeled box.

It only has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have a copy of The Light Of Asia and the only date I can find is (c) 1899 under a picture of Sir Edwin Arnold. The book is very old, but I am unsure of how old or who to ask, please further advise.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1904.

This book originally came within a labeled box.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hopefully you can help me with these pictures. Longfellow Poems Volume I. The date of 1842 is in the calligraphy on the right side.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1896.

It originally came within a labeled box.

This title is a reprint and only has nominal value.

The 1842 date on the title page refers to the year of the establishment of Altemus & Co.

In 1896 this cover was published in several different colors. A couple are shown here.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Wondering if this book has any value at all. I have not been able to find this particular cover. Thank you. Through the Looking Glass

A:  Your book was published as part of the Vademecum Series in 1903.

The cover picture is part of a larger European painting. If you look on the site, you will see that picture #33 is the same as your picture.

It is a reprint in only fair shape. So generally speaking it would have no real value. There are however a lot of Lewis Carroll collectors out there, one of whom may find your book special. You may want to list it on Ebay and try your luck.

Mother Goose Series

Q:  Please can you help me shed some light on a book I have inherited when I lived in America. I cannot find any dates on it but the second to last page (96 in total) advertise the Mother Goose series 131 Volumes 12. I only have the one book (The House That Jack Built) and from the picture you can see it wasn't looked after before it was given to me. Please can you advise if this book is worth anything as I will therefore get it insured. Also if you require me to give you more details from within the book do let me know.

A:  This book is from the 12 title Mother Goose Series.

This title is from the first format of this series published in 1903.

These volumes were published with a dust jacket. An example from this format is shown here.

Shakespeare's Plays

Q:  We picked up the following books at an antique auction from an estate and there were other books from 1800-1929, can you please tell us what we have? There are no dates anywhere, nor copyright info. Antony and Cleopatra. Thank you.

A:  You have a few books from this set: Shakespeare's Plays

There were 39 books in total. These titles were published in a number of formats. Your books were published in the 1906-1933 range.

They are incredibly common and have only nominal value.

Esperance Series

Q:  Can't locate info on my book. Love and Friendship

A:  Your book is part of the Esperance Series. The titles in this series which are all reprints were published between 1905 and 1909.

These volumes originally came within a labeled box. An example is shown here.

Vademecum Series

Q:  My grandfather would like to know the edition of this paticular book he has from 1895 from you publishing company. Discourses of Epictetus

Any other additional information would be greatly appreciated.

A:  This book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1895. As with all of the 109 titles in this series, it is a reprint and does not have a designated edition.

This format has been seen with numerous cover colors. Some are shown here.

Young People's Library Format 3

Q:  I own the hardback copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin from 1900. Henry Altemus Company - Philadelphia. Is it worth anything? Would anyone be interested in buying it? Do you have any suggestions on what we could do with it.

A:  This book is part of the Young People's Library.

This format of this series was published between 1902 and 1923. The titles in in this series are all reprints.

These volumes all originally came with dust jackets. An example is shown here.