Q: Hello,
In my possession I have a first edition, first impression of the John Habberton book, Poor Boy’s Chances. I’ve had it in my possession for 21 years, or all of my life. The book’s binding is now in poor condition, but it still has great value to me. I wanted to find out more about the printing and number of copies published. Do you have this information? The site has a very small amount of info about it, but was still interesting. John Habberton is not credited on Wikipedia and other sites for writing this book, so I assumed it was published in very limited quantities. It has been a source of great inspiration to me. Thank you for any information you can offer.

A: Below is the section on this book and its author. I hope you find it helpful.

Poor Boys’ Chances by John Habberton 1900
Altemus published this title in a number of different editions. Some are non series whereas others are part of a series. The cover picture (except for colors and gilt) is the same for all the these titles. Curtis Wager-Smith illustrated the frontispiece. There are numerous other attributed and unattributed pictures mostly taken from other works.

John Habberton (1842-1921) was born in New York and after serving in the Civil War he worked for the New York Herald as an editorial writer. His most famous work was Helen’s babies which was first published by Loring in 1876. During the latter part of the nineteenth century it was among the most popular juvenile books in print. Some of his other books include Budge and Toddie, The Chautauquans, Caleb Wright, Everybody’s Chance, and All He Knew.

Non Series Editions:

These books are 7.5 x 5.25. 280 pages.

The first edition, first impression has all glossy pages. The title page does not have the copyright date on it whereas the copyright page does have the 1900 date. The Ellis History books in the back advertisements cost 75 cents. The rectangle surrounding the the information on the title page is red-lined, not black like in the later books.

Note that the copyright date is on the copyright page not on the title page.

Ellis book price is 75 cents.

The second impression also has all glossy pages. It does however note the 1900 copyright date on the title page and the Ellis books are now listed at $1.00 each. There is no copyright page. The rectangle surrounding the the information on the title page is black-lined, not red like in the earlier books.

Series editions:

Young People’s Library, Format 2 (late 1900)
Note the characteristic spine of the Format 2, Young People’s Library. This book was added to the series (based on the ads) late in 1900. It is 280 pages and is 6.75 x 5.25.

Series #56 Boys and Girls Booklovers Series (1905)
These books have the same cover pictures as the other editions but are smaller in size: 7 x 4.5. They have red lettering on the cover. All 280 pages are on plain paper.

Series #125 Little Men and Women Series (1907-)
This 7.5 x 5. 280 plain paper page book has red lettering on the familiarly illustrated cover. The ads in the back of the book list titles for this series.

See also Non Series #112

Q: Just curious if this is a first or later edition Peter Rabbit’s Christmas. Details include Copyright 1917 by Howard E. Altemus, says Wee Books for Wee Folks on the top of the title page. Page 64 has small blue & black illustration for “The End”. Thank you!
Kindest regards.

A: Between 1917 (when this book was first published) and 1920 the cover lettering was red.

Beginning in 1921 the cover lettering was dark green/ black.

Thus, your book is a first edition.

It did have a dust jacket. It is shown below.

Q: I discovered this book (Black Beauty) and was wondering if it has any value. There are some condition issues and I would like to know if it would be worth restoring. Thanks.

A: Your book is part of the La Belle Fleur Series and was published in 1901.

All the books in this publisher’s series are reprints.

The books in this series originally came with dust jackets. An example is shown.

Because of the poor condition, it has no monetary value. It would not be worth the money to restore it.

Q: I found this of my grandmother’s (Natural Law in the Spiritual World). I can’t find anything online or a definite date. I was hoping someone would know more about it, what year it could be from, etc. Thanks in advance!

A: Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1896.

This title is a reprint with nominal value.

Q: Hello,
This was our Grandfather’s book. Pretty sure he bought it new when he first came to this Country from Norway, sometime around the turn of the 19/20th century.

Indications (inside) are it was printed by Henry Altemus Company, Philadelphia, Copyright 1899. Size is 6.5″ x 4.25″. Book is complete and fully readable but in frail, degraded condition.

In looking at hundreds of covers for this title, I have not yet found one with the image shown here. Seems unique.

I’d like to know when it was actually printed and anything else you may offer, including info on the cloth-bound cover.

With much appreciation.

A: Your book is part of the Boys and Girls Classics Series. See: Henry Altemus Company – Boys and Girls Classics (old) Series 58

The books of this series were published between 1899-1906. Altemus incorporated in 1900, so your book has to have been
published between 1900 and 1906.

The cover was designed by the Decorative Designers Firm.

On the website there is a flow chart that will enable you to date the book exactly by looking at the ads in the back.

Your volume is a reprint and has minimal value.

Q: I’m trying find information on book copyright 1897 philadelphia henry altemus called Daily Food for Christians please thank you.

A: Your book was published between 1899 as part of the Golden Treasury Series.

It is a reprint with nominal value.

This advertising cover advertises the patented hinge-back photographic albums. It dates between 1873 and 1889.
It is the earliest Altemus advertising cover that I have seen.

Q: I purchased this book (Hyperion) about 30 years ago in Monterey, Ca. I would appreciate any additional information about it. Thank you for your website and all the valuable information.

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

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

The applique picture on the cover is one of more than 40 that have been seen. In most instances several pictures can be combined to form a larger illustration. For more information see: Henry Altemus Company – Vademecum Series / European Artists

Q: I am having a difficult time finding much information about this book (A Wonder Book). Is it rare? Regardless of its rarity, it is a lovely old book!
Thanks in advance for any information you can give.

A: Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published 1909-1912.

It originally came within a labeled box. See: http://henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

It is a reprint and only has nominal value.

Q: A Child’s Garden of Verses. This would have been published between 1912-1915? Which Series # is it and what would it be worth?

A: Your book is part of the Poems We Love Series. It was published between 1912 and 1915.

It was originally sold within a labeled box. See below.

It has nominal value.