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.

Vademcum Series

Q:  I was hoping you might be able to tell me a little more about this book, Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius. It caught my eye at a garage sale, and I picked it up for $2. I was curious about what time period it was from, and if it has any particular value.

A:  Your book was published in 1902 as part of the Vademecum Series.
It originally came within a labeled box.
See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm
In my opinion you paid a fair price.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I recently acquired this book, The Little Lame Prince, from a relative and wanted to inquire about the date and information of the book. When research I came across your website and saw the mention of Vademecum Series.
I was hoping to gain further knowledge on the subject of the book. Thank you for your time. Attached are some photos.

A:  Your book was published in 1903 as part of the Vademecum Series. It originally came within a labeled box.
It is a reprint with nominal value.
See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

Vademecum Series

Q:  I have two questions about the book, Evangeline and Other Poems, that is pictured on the attachment. One, is it part of the Valdemecum #180 or Petit Trianon #143 series? Its size is 6 1/4 by 4 1/4 inches. It was received as a gift by the former owner in 1903. It was published by Henry Altemus Company. Second, what are the name(s) of the flowers on the cover?

I have visited your website and thank you for providing such good information on Henry Altemus books.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1904. On the webpage you can see books that have the same cover format in the 1904 pictures.

Your flowers match the Iris pictures. Of course, I wouldn’t know an iris from a dandelion but years ago a flower expert identified all of the Altemus cover flowers for me.
See Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

Vademecum Series

Q:  Uncle Tom's Cabin
Curious of the value good condition
Published 1894

A:  Your book is a late reprint. It was published as part of the Vademecum Series in 1899.
See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm
Nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I am trying to find out a bit more about this book, The Scarlet Letter. It must have been printed in 1899 as the copyright says 1899 and the inscription is dated New Years 1900. Any info you can provide would be lovely!

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1899.
It originally came within a labeled box.

It is a reprint with nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I bought this book and would love to know when it was published. (Hyperion) Thank you for any information.

A:  Your book was published as part of the Vademecum Series in 1902.

The painting on the front cover is one of more than forty that were used by Altemus for this format. See: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series / European Artists

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

As with all of the titles in this series, it is a reprint.

It has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello, I picked up this copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin at a book sale. I'm just kind of wondering what year it was printed. It says Stowe died in 1898 in the “about the author” foreword, so I know it was printed after that, but is there any way you could identify it for me? It's pretty fun just having this in my hands.

A:  Your book was published in 1907 as part of the Vademecum Series.

It is a reprint which originally came within a labeled box. It has nominal value.

For more on the appliqué on the cover see: Henry Altemus Company - Vademecum Series / European Artists

Here is an example of the box.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I found this book (Holmes' Poems) year ago in an antique store, I can't find any publishing date and was wondering if you could enlighten me! Also, I would like to know it's value if possible.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1899.

All of the titles in this series are reprints.

This book has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Please help with this book.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1899. It originally came within a labeled box.

See: Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

It is a reprint as are all of the titles in this series.

It only has nominal value.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello, I was wondering if you might be able to tell me the year this book (Black Beauty) was printed and if it has value (so that I know if I should take special care of it--was in the family so won't be sold).
Thank you in advance!

A:  Your book was published between 1909 and 1912 as part of the Vademecum Series. See: Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

All of the titles in this series are reprints. Your book has nominal value.

During these years the books originally came within a labeled box. An example is shown here.