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:  Hi, I have this Black Beauty book that I can't find any information on. It has a black cover, possibly leather, and it doesn't have a date printed in it at all. It does say Henry Altemus Company, which I read means it was printed in 1900 or later. I don't really know anything else about it. Thank you for taking time to help me out!

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1902. It is a reprint and originally came in a labeled box.

For information about this series of books see ../series/series180.htm.

Most of the books of this series do not have significant value because the titles were reprinted so many times by so many publishers.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hi, Can you tell me anything about this copy of Black Beauty?

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1903. In 1903 the Vademecum books had the same cover template in a number of different colors. The appliqué (paste-on) is one of over 40 pictures that were used that year for the covers. Your cover is designated #43 on the site.

This book originally came with a labeled box. It is a reprint and has minimal value.

For more information see ../vademecum.htm and ../series/series180.htm.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hi, I was hoping that you could tell me a little more about this version of Black Beauty that I ran across while I was looking through my Grandpa's book collection. Any info helps...thank you for your time.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1900. See ../series/series180.htm. It originally came in a labeled box.

The 1900 Vademecum Series books were all published with the same cover which came in various colors. I have seen six variant colors at this time but suspect that there are more.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Looking for info on this book. Thanks.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series. See ../series/series180.htm. It was published in 1899. During that year the cover came in a number of different colors. The book was originally published with a labeled slipcase box.

The book is a reprint and only Treasure Island collectors would pay more than a couple of dollars for it.

I have enclosed several other color covers for your interest.

Vademecum Series

Q:  Hello, I stumbled on your great website while trying to research a book I have: "Tales From Shakspeare" Charles and Mary Lamb Henry Altemus Company Philadelphia. I can't find any date other than the preface and after reading your comments I don't want to assume the 1878 is the correct printing date. Photo is attached. Book is small (4-1/4 x 6-1/4)
Any information would be most appreciated.
Thank you.

A:  Your book was published in 1907 and is part of the Vademecum Series. See ../series/series180.htm.

It originally came in a labeled slipcase box. All the books in this series are reprints.

You are correct to question the 1878 date. Frequently Altemus reprinted older editions of titles in their entirety. So earlier prefaces and copyrights are included in the later Altemus editions.

Vademecum Series

Q:  I found this email online as I was trying to find info on a book I have. A Wonder Book, 1899. I'm having a heck of a time finding info on what I have.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1900. This series consisted of reprints of essays, fiction, classics, poetry, etc. It was published between 1894 and the 1920's. Every year or so the cover design was changed. Your cover was used in 1900. The 1900 books came in a labeled slipcase box.

The 1900 books had one basic cover pattern in a number of different colors. I am including other color covers for your interest.

For more information see ../series/series180.htm

Vademecum Series

Q:  I would like to know what you can tell me about this publication by the Henry Altemus Company, Illustrated Vademecum Series. It was a gift to my grandmother in 1904.

A:  Your book (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland) is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1905-1906. During these two years the book covers were published in a number of different colors. Four different paste-on flower pictures were used. (Your picture is an iris.)

See ../series/series180.htm

This book originally came in a labeled box. It is a reprint as are all of the books from this series.

Vademecum Series

Q:  This book was in my Grandfather's book collection. Could you tell me a little about it? It's missing the copyright page, but has the Altemus Publishing Company page inside the book. It's Uncle Tom's Cabin. Thanks so much.

A:  Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1907. Originally it came within a labeled box. These books came in multiple colors and any one of more than 40 possible paste-on pictures have been seen on the cover.

All of the books from this series are reprints and thus for the most part have little value. Some volumes such as Alice in Wonderland are worth a bit more because of the significance of the title.

For more information see ../vademecum.htm.

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.

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.