The Diplome D’Honneur Series was published in 1902 and is probably the rarest of all the Altemus publisher’s series. Interestingly all descriptions of this series note the stereotyped pattern on the left half of the front cover and a brocaded satin on the right half of the front cover. Examples are shown below. The books were originally boxed.

The book shown here is an exception in that the cover does not have the brocaded satin. Also the title is not listed in the original book list as per the Altemus catalogues.

Q: I have a beautiful little white book “God’s Word and God’s Works” – Martin Luther. Inside is a picture of Martin Luther facing page with title by Martin Luther – Philadelphia Henry Altemus in red. Back of that page is copyrighted 1896 by Henry Altemus – Henry Altemus, Manufacturer Philadelphia. I find no specific information on this book. I do want to sell it. Could you give me a little background and value of this book.

A: Your book is part of the Eternal Life Series and was published in 1896. The leatherette volumes in this series have been seen in a number of different cover formats. Some examples are shown below.

The books in this series have little, if any, monetary value.

Q: Hello, I have a book titled “Song of Sixpence” and I am trying to find as much out about it as I can.

A: Hello, Your book is part of the eight title Bo-Peep Series and was published in 1905.

It originally had a dust jacket.

See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series55.htm

In this shape it has no monetary value.

Q: Just curious about value of this small book ( about 4.5” x 6.5” ).
Inherited from Aunt and believe date post 1900. Evangeline

A: Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series and was published in 1903-1904. It originally was sold within a labeled box.

All of the books in this series are reprints.

There were four different styles printed during these two years. The pedestal has been seen in three colors (beige-most common, blue and pink) and as an ooze calf book. A picture of any one of sixteen flowers are possible for the right half of the book covers.

It is a reprint and has nominal value (a couple of dollars).

Q: I recently came upon this copy of Chesterfield’s Letters published in 1894. I was wondering if it has any value to someone who collects books and if so, how do I find a buyer? Thank you so much, have a wonderful day.

A: Your book is part of the Vademecum Series. See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series179.htm

Your book is a reprint and has nominal value only.

Q: Can you tell me more about the year and edition of this version of Pilgrims Progress?

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

This volume originally was sold within a labeled box.

There is a flow chart on the website page that can help you determine the date of publication based on the ads in the back of the book.

It has nominal value.

Q: Can you help me with this book? I could not find it on your site. A Child’s Story of the New Testament

It says ‘copyright 1909’ by Howard E. Altemus just prior to the contents page. After reading recent posts I’m thinking it has no value but would like to hear it from an expert.

A: Your book is part of the One-Syllable series and is pictured here: http://henryaltemus.com/series/series137.htm

The One-Syllable Series contains 12 books and was first published in 1899. There are four formats in this series and your book is part of Format 4.

These latter books were published in the teens.

The book pictured does not have a very collectible title and without a dust jacket (shown below) only has nominal value.

Here is a variant cover for Thro’ The Rye by Herman Lee Meader (Non Series #135).

For more information, see Non Series #135

Q: Just wondering what I have here. Gold Dust. I find no dates, but the back lists several books at prices from $.40 to $.50!

A: Your book is part of the Devotional Series. All of the titles in this series are reprints.

It was published sometime between 1901-1904.

It was originally sold within a labeled box.

Q: This book belonged to my great grandfather. What is the current value, if any, as it is being passed on to family members? Greatly appreciated.
The Crucifixion of Philip Strong

A: Your book is part of the Vademecum Series.

This series contains a group of books, all unrelated, that are reprints. Each year or so Altemus would reprint these titles with a new decorative cover.

Your book was published in 1900. It originally came within a labeled box.

It only has nominal value.