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.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  In digging more, we have also found the book published by Henry Altemus. It is Letters, Sentences and Maxims of Lord Chesterfield. This book is not in great condition as the first few pages are loose from the binding. I have looked on your web site and cannot find this at all. Thanks for your help with this.

A:  This book is from the Petit Trianon Series (../series/series141.htm) and was published in 1895-1896. It originally came in a labeled box. During these years the left side of the book remained constant while the right side had numerous different decorative and floral patterns. In fact, as of this time, I have seen twelve different right cover halves.

Because it is a reprint, it has only nominal value.

Slip in the Pocket Classics

Q:  Can you tell me anything about this book? I couldn't find it on the website.

A:  The Classics Series (../series/series69.htm) and later the Slip in the Pocket Series (../series/series166.htm) were first published in 1907. Your book is from the first of the five different formats and was published in the 1907-1909 era. It originally came with a dust jacket. To date this book exactly you need to be able to see the advertisements on the back of the dust jacket.

Regardless, it is a reprint and has only nominal value.

Sanspareil Series

Q:  I just purchased this book at a vintage book shop. There is no date that I can find in the book and I am curious as to when it's from.

A:  Your book is from the Sanspareil Series (../series/series163.htm) and was published in 1899. It was part of this large publisher's series of reprints. During this year there were a number of different cover colors. The books of this series originally came with a dust jacket. A sample is shown below.

Because the books are all reprints, they have little value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I just found this book while cleaning my book shelf, and wondered about it's value..history, etc. I'm sending additional photos of title and publishing.

A:  This book is part of the Vademecum Series. It was published in 1898.

During this year this cover pattern was published in a number of different colors.

It is a reprint and thus has only nominal value.

See ../series/series179.htm

Wee Books for Wee Folks

Q:  I have what I believe is a first edition (pirated) copy of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. It looks exactly like the one on your website. I am trying to find out if there is any value to it.

Here is what it looks like:

A:  This is a great book. It is the first American edition of Peter Rabbit.

You can find out more here: ../peter_rabbit/peterrabbit.htm

Frequently other Altemus editions are touted as the first but this is really it.

It was published early in 1904. Later in 1904 Altemus published its second Tale of Peter Rabbit edition. It is the green book below. In 1917 the most commonly seen Altemus Peter Rabbit was published. It is the one with the paste-on picture. This edition was printed into the 1930's.

Having said that, it is always hard to predict prices. I think you should be able to get $50-100 for it.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello, I have a book (Undine) of my recently deceased grandma and was wondering how rare or if its worth any money. It says copyright 1899 on it and I have attached pictures of the cover etc. The cover is blue with gold print. It has illustrations and some are in color.

A:  Your book is from the Vademecum Series and was published in 1902. See ../vademecum.

It is a reprint and thus has only nominal value.

Petit Trianon Series

Q:  Hello, I am inquiring about the value of this book, "The House of Seven Gables", Altemus, Philadelphia. The illustration is dated 1899. Please advise.

A:  Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1899. During this year the books all had the same pattern on the left side of the cover. The right half of the cover had numerous floral designs or decorative patterns.

See ../series/series143.htm

Because it is a reprint of a widely available title, it is worth only a few dollars.

Love and Friendship Series

Q:  I came across your website when I was researching the worth of this book (Rip Van Winkle). The copyright date on the inside cover is 1896. Being that old, I would consider it to be in good shape. However it is signed from a teacher to her student on the inside cover and I am not sure what that does to the worth of a book. I am just curious to know what you think this book is worth.

A:  Your book is part of the Love and Friendship Series. ../series/series127.htm. This cover design was seen in the Format 1 books which were first published in 1901.

These books had a stereotypical design on the left of the front cover. On the right was one of sixteen flowers. Your book has the daffodil on it.

Without the dust jacket it only has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  We just stumbled upon this book (Walden) and thought maybe it could be worth something. It appears to be complete and in pretty good condition with the exception of one loose page. Can you tell us more about it and maybe a possible value?

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published between 1909 and 1912. Originally it came within a red labeled box.

For more on this series see ../series/series180.htm

As with all the books of this series, it is a reprint and has only nominal value.

Devotional Series

Q:  I am having a difficult time finding any information on the attached pictures of the book THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. I am only finding this title with various other covers. Could you direct me where it is that I could find the year and value of this please?

A:  This book is part of the Devotional Series (../series/series75.htm) and was published between 1901-1904.

As with all the books in this series, it is a reprint and without the original labeled box it only has nominal value.