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.

Love and Friendship Series

Q:  i've had this book since 1975. the title is "laddie" copyrighted in 1897 by henry altemus. i was wondering about the history of the book. also wondering what a book like that is worth.

A:  Your book can be found here: ../series/series127.htm

This series of 33 books originally came with dust jackets. There are five different formats that evolved over the 11 year publication history (1901-1912).

Since it is a reprint of a not very collectible title without the original dust jacket, it only has nominal value.

Wee Folks Cinderella Series

Q:  I am wanting to learn more about this book (Jack and the Bean-Stalk), published as stated by the Henry Altemus Company Philadelphia. I've looked around on your site, but can't find this particular book. I appreciate any information you can provide. Thank you!

A:  Your book can be found here: ../series/series188.htm

The ten books of this series-Wee Folks Cinderella Series- have the same format as the Wee Books for Wee Folks Series.

This series' little books are all fairy tales.

Without the dust jacket it has nominal value.

Boys and Girls Classics (Old)

Q:  Any information that you can provide on this particular book (Two Years Before the Mast) will be appreciated.

A card found inside the book indicates it was a Christmas present in 1901.

A:  Information about your book can be found here: ../series/series58.htm

This series of 40 books consisted mostly of books for juveniles in addition to a few classics.

Based on format your book was published between 1899 and 1902.

It is a reprint and has minimal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hi I have a book written by sir walter Lubbock printed in Philadelphia by henry altemus preface is dated January 1887 by kent down it has clovers all over the front cover I’ve sent 2 pictures

Can you help me with a value and year published?

A:  Your book was published in 1897. See: ../series/series179.htm

It is a reprint as were all of the books of this publisher's series of essays, poetry, classic fiction, etc.

It originally came in a labeled box.

It only has nominal value.

Marqueterie Series

Q:  Is this book of any value (Autocrat of the Breakfast Table)? It is in relative good shape. do you know how many were published? thank you

A:  This series of 149 volumes was published in 1899. See ../series/series130.htm

All of its volumes are reprints and except for a few widely collected titles have little value.

Your book only has nominal value.

I do not know how many were published but it really does not matter. Rarity does not necessarily equate to value.

Devotional Series

Q:  Can you please give any information regarding the attached picture of the Bible Birthday Book. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

A:  Your book was published between 1908 and 1924 as part of the Devotional Series.

See ../series/series75.htm

It originally came inside a labeled box.

It has only nominal, if any, value.

Boys and Girls Booklovers Series

Q:  Can you identify this book (The Wanderings of Joe and Little Em)?

A:  This book is part of the Boys and Girls Booklovers Series. See ../series/series56.htm.

This series of 22 books consisted of children's stories. Many, including this one, were first editions.

The books had dust jackets and were published in this series between 1905 and 1907.

The author of this book, Albert Bigelow Paine, was best known as a biographer of Mark Twain. (http://www.twainquotes.com/19370410.html)

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have a very old copy of The Crucifixion of Philip Strong. Could you provide info from pictures I'm attaching? Do you have an idea what it is worth and potential buyer. The picture on the cover is a tree.

A:  Your book can be found here: ../series/series180.htm

It is a reprint. It was published between 1909 and 1912. Without the original box, it only has nominal value.

During this year the applique (paste-on) on the front cover has been seen with numerous pictures.

Wee Books for Wee Folks

Q:  hello, i was on your website and because i was researching a book that i have. My aunt's mother in law was a school teacher back in the early 1900s and she had a Peter Rabbit book from back when she was a teacher. I'll send you a picture of it, any help figuring out what edition it is would be great!

A:  Take a look here: ../peter_rabbit/peterrabbit.htm

You can see your book pictured as a Second Edition (second format). The earlier second edition book has the same picture on the cover but is green. This book was first published between 1908 and 1912. It was reprinted until 1917 when the third Altemus edition of The Tale of Peter Rabbit was published.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I noticed you had someone else ask you a question about a Treasure Island book. I am hoping if I send you a picture of mine you could give me a little info on it. I cannot seem to find it. I have attached a picture of it.

A:  Your book can be see here (../series/series179.htm) with the 1896 books.

It is part of the Vademecum series which is made up of various reprints of classics, poetry, essays, etc.

The 1896 books can be found with a number of different cover colors.

It has only nominal value.