Q: Hello, I have this (The First Easter) and was wondering if you can give me some info? I did read what you had on your website about it, your books are lovely by the way! It appears it is one of the earlier editions. It is not in the best shape but it is copyrighted 1906. Someone unfortunately took a marker to a name a some point too:/ I’d appreciate any info you have as well as any idea of its value. Thanks so much!

A: This book is part of the Beautiful Stories Series.

This ten book series had six formats and this is Format #1. It originally came with a dust jacket. See below.

These books are relatively common and only have nominal value.

Q: Hello I have a book called Tanglewood Tales by Hawthorne. Can you tell me what I have? When it was made and such. I’ve attached some photos. Thank you.

A: Your book is part of the Young People’s Library, Format 4.
It was published between 1923 and 1933. It originally came with a dust jacket. See below.

This volume is a reprint and has nominal value.

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 below.

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

It has nominal value.

Q: I have had no luck of locating much info of this book. (Swiss Family Robinson) Any information I’d appreciate.

A: Your book is part of the One Syllable Series (Format 2) and was published between 1904-1908. It originally had a dust jacket.

This title is a reprint and has nominal value.

See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series137.htm

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.

Q: Hello, I’ve found an interesting book (Grimm’s Fairy Tales) and I’m having a hard time finding a date for the publishing (or honestly any information about it). I was wondering if you could help or even know of a person who could. Thanks

A: Your book is part of the Young People’s Library. It is a Format 3 book.

There is a flowchart on this page which can help you date your book.

Originally it came with a dust jacket

It is a reprint with nominal value.

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.

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

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

It only has nominal value.

Q: Hello and good day,
I have a copy of Dante’s Inferno, however, I have been unable to locate any reference to the copy I have. It has an unusual cover. Could you be so kind as to provide any additional information on this issue. Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

A: This series of very elegant volumes which were illustrated by Gustave Dore were published between 1889-1903.

See: Henry Altemus Company – Dore’s Masterpieces Series 78

There were six different formats all of which either came boxed or in dust jackets.

This title is from Format #5. It was first published in 1892.

On the left of the cover is vellum with a gold gilt decorative pattern. The right side has the title in gilt with various underlying colors.

This format came with a red canvas dust jacket. See below.

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: Henry Altemus Company – 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 below.