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:  Hello, I have a Nathaniel Hawthorne book which I believe it was published by Henry Altemus in Philadelphia. I attached photos of the book from the outside and some inside. I really just wanted to know a little bit more about the book, the history and what the value of the book is.

A:  Your book is a reprint and is part of the Vademecum Series.

More about your 1898 book can be found here: ../series/series179.htm

It only has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  To whom it may concern: What can you tell me about this book (The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin)? Is it part of a series? When was the first edition published? How is that indicated? How many copies were printed?

A:  Your book was published in 1895 as part of the Vademecum Series. See: ../series/series179.htm

The Altemus edition is a reprint. I am unaware of how many copies Altemus published but this book is fairly common.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I saw your description on your site referring to Gold Dust as not being published in the 1890's. I beg to differ. I hold in my hand a copy of Gold Dust and inside it specifically says "Copyright 1897 by Henry Altemus".

A:  This book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1898. ../series/series179.htm

The reader is confusing the Altemus copyright date from the date of publication. But in addition we are not sure where she got the idea that we did not think this was published in the 1890's. Perhaps she saw a mention of a later 20th century Altemus version of this title.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Would like to find more information regarding The House of the Seven Gables book that I own. Any help is appreciated. Thank you! Michelle (Photos Attached)

A:  You can find your book pictured with the other 1898 books here: Vademecum Series

It has only nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I recently came upon this book that belonged to my grandparents. The Princess and Maud by Tennyson it was published in 1895 by your company. It has some water damage along the bottom and is cover is gently used. Can you tell me if this book has any value?

A:  This book is part of the Vademecum Series. See ../series/series179.htm

It is a reprint and only has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have found the attached book, The Princess and Maud, and wonder if you could tell me when it was published and if it's rare. I do not have any box or cover, just the book.

A:  Your book was published in 1897. It is not rare. It only has nominal value. See: ../series/series179.htm

Vademecum Series

Q:  Please see attached photos; this little book (The Sketch Book) is in beautiful condition. What can you tell me about it? Also, when was it published? There is a preface to the revised edition written by W.I. and dated 1848 and next to it, sunniside.
Thank you for your time.

A:  Your book was published in 1897 as part of the Vademecum Series.
See ../series/series179.htm
It is a reprint from an earlier edition.
It has only nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Good Morning –
Could you please assist me in some background on this book (Uncle Tom's Cabin)? I see on your website that it was one in a series. The one pictured on your site looks different than mine.
Thank you,

A:  I think if you look at the 1894 book covers here ../series/series179.htm, you will see that your book is the same as the other Vademecum Series books of 1894. Your book is a late reprint of this title. It is relatively common and only has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I was given this book. It has been in my family and passed down. Written in it is Miss Leah Ridd Christmas 1902. I am trying to find out exactly when it was published.

A:  Your book is part of the publisher's reprint series-the Vademecum Series.

It was published in 1897.

It can be seen here: Series 179

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hi - Attached are some pictures of "Black Beauty" book I have. Based on your site, I believe it may have been printed prior to 1900 as it only shows "Henry Altemus" & not "Henry Altemus Publishing". Is there a way to determine the exact date & possible worth of the book? Thank you in advance for any insight/information.

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

You can see it here: Series 179

As a general rule most of the reprints done by Altemus as part of this publisher's series have only nominal value.