Q: I have possessed this lovely book for many years, Lowell’s Poems.

I did not see photos of this book on your website. It appears to have been printed in 1899 by Henry Altemus, Manufacturer, Philadelphia.

Can you provide any additional details of my book, how many were printed in 1899?

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

See: Henry Altemus Company – Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

There are no records regarding the number printed.

Your edition is a reprint of a title which is not in demand.

It only has nominal value.

Q: I recently found a book by your company at my mom’s house (The House of the Seven Gables). I could not find any date in the book maybe you could give me some info on it.

A: Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1901.

See:  Henry Altemus Company – Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

For more about the appliqué picture on the cover, see: Henry Altemus Company – Vademecum Series / European Artists

(Your pic is #10)

This book is a reprint with nominal monetary value.

Q: I have a copy of Carmen that I’m trying to find the date of, the closest I can guess is 1896 or 1897. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

A: 1896.

See: Henry Altemus Company – Vademecum Series (early numbering) 179

Q: My sister sent this book to me as a birthday present. (Treasure Island) I did not find an image of it on the website. I did find the book. Can you tell me more about it?

It is part of the later Illustrated Vademus Series?

A: Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1907.

See: Henry Altemus Company – Petit Trianon (Third numbering) Series 143

#1 Box

Q: I have a copy of the Henry Altemus 1898 book A Window in Thrums with the oval frame, green cover and red-orange flowers, by J.M. Barrie.

It’s a delightful little book and has been well-loved but still in good condition. It has an inscription and quotes inside.

I’m wondering if it has value today as I’ve searched on-line and haven’t found this version.

A: Your book is part of the Sanspareil Series and was published in 1898. See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series162.htm

Because your book is only in fair condition and this title is a reprint which is not really in demand by collectors, it only has nominal value.

Q: Hi! This is a copy of “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson I was reading. I would love to have some info about this book. I would like to know what series and year this was published.  I would also like to know an approximation of its worth.

A: Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1898. See: Henry Altemus Company – Petit Trianon (Second numbering) Series 142

The 1898 books have a stereotyped left half of the cover with various decorative patterns on the right half. Many of the cover patterns (including yours) are shown on the website.

This book is a reprint with nominal value.

Q: I am pricing items of my mother’s estate and am wondering if this book has any value. Old Christmas

A: Your book is from the Love and Friendship Series. Henry Altemus Company – Love and Friendship Series 127

It was published in the early 1900’s.
It is a reprint with nominal value.

Q: I am trying to find some information on two books that came into my possession.

I tried to find the information on your website about a possible publication date for both Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass. You’ve listed a much later publication date for Through The Looking Glass than what’s inscribed in the book. It has a personal inscription of Christmas 1871.

A: These books are part of the Boys and Girls Classics Series. Henry Altemus Company – Boys and Girls Classics (old) Series 58

This series was published between 1899 and 1906.

Altemus was only publishing Bibles and photographic albums until 1889. The inscription of 1871 has no relationship to when this book was published by Altemus.

Q: Hello, I have attached a photo of an Altemus copy of Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. I have searched for a similar copy in various resources and have looked through your website. There I found numerous copies but did not find an image of this edition. I suspect it is part of the Vademecum Series. Can you provide any additional info on the copy?

A: Your book is part of the Boys and Girls Classics Series.

See: Henry Altemus Company – Boys and Girls Classics (old) Series 58

It is pictured on that page as #88.

Using the chart on that page you can easily date your book.

In my opinion it has nominal value.