Q: Can you tell me about this book? The Lays of Ancient Rome. No dates anywhere in the book, but other books are offered in the back from $.40 to $1.25. Thanks!

A: Your book is part of the Vademecum Series. It was published in 1904.

It is a reprint with nominal value.

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

Q: I have four books and I am trying to find out more information about them. I have attached photos of the covers.

They are Bryant’s Poems, Evangeline and Other Poems, Milton’s Poems, and Holmes’ Poems. They were my wife’s grandfathers.

I appreciate you taking the time to help me.

A: Your books are from the Vademecum Series and were published in 1905-1906.

As with all of the title in this series, they are reprints. Originally they came within a labeled box. An example is shown below.

None if these books have very collectible titles and therefore only have nominal value.

Q: Hello, I have this copy of Little Black Sambo that I am trying to date. I am hoping you can help me. I’ve read your very thorough post, but as you can see my copy is different than the two samples you’ve shown on your site. I’d so appreciate any insight you can offer.
Many thanks in advance.

A: Your book is part of the Wee Books for Wee Folks Series.

Altemus first published this title in 1918. The copy without the dust jacket on the webpage was published between 1918 and 1920. The yellow cover lettering was noted in those years. Your copy was published between 1921 and 1934.

In order to date your book more precisely you need to look at the ads in the back of the book and at the endpapers. Dates for the endpapers are given here: http://www.henryaltemus.com/wee_books/index.htm.

If you need further help, let me know.

Format 2 of this series has the identical format as is seen in the Young People’s Library. The only difference is the title page which indicates that the volume is part of the Favorite Series. The dust jacket actually notes erroneously that the book is part of The Young People’s Library.

See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series87.htm.

Today I am adding another dust jacket picture to this series’ page.

Here are two new pictures for this series. Format 3 was published between 1902-1923.

Dating this book can be done by reviewing the ads in the back.

On the page: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series202F3.htm, there is a flow chart for dating this format.

In this instance, the title Vic is listed in the ads as is the Wee Books for Wee Folks Series. This dates this volume to 1904-1906.

Q: I have a copy of an Altemus 1895 format 1, Alice in Wonderland – Through the Looking Glass that has a blank spine but it refers to Gulliver’s Travels on the inside ad page so I believe it is a second edition.

I’m trying to determine the book’s value. Attached are photos of the cover and ad pages. Can you assist or me point in the right direction of whom I should contact? I truly appreciate your assistance.

A: You have described your book perfectly. It is part of the Young People’s Library, Format 1. This format was published between 1895 and 1898.

The early, absolutely first printing of this format list only to Through the Looking Glass. The later 1895 versions list to Gulliver’s Travels (your book).

The two Lewis Carroll books in this series are in great demand. They are reprints but have very nice covers and numerous illustrations.

A $25-75 price range is reasonable.

Q: Good afternoon,
I have this books and I was wondering if it is worth anything?
The Little Puppy That Wanted to Know Too Much

A: Your book is part of the Wee Books for Wee Folks Series.

Generally these books are desirable if they have dust jackets or are certain titles (Alice in Wonderland, Peter Rabbit, Little Black Sambo).

Since your book is not a very collectible one and has no dust jacket, it has little monetary value.

The dust jacket is shown below.

Q: Can you give me info. on this book – Emerson’s Essays Second Series published by Henry Altemus Co in Phila?

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

It is a reprint and originally was sold within a labeled box. An example is shown below.

It is not a title that is in demand and thus it only has nominal value.

Q: I have two small books with no dates (see attached for covers). The “Poems” book has someone’s handwritten notation that reads “Downey, March 18th, 1894”. Can you please tell me when these were published and if they have any value?

A: The “Poems” entitled book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1894. It is a reprint. There are many Poe collectors out there and one if them may find your book of interest. I suspect less than $20 though.
See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series179.htm

The “Sonnets” is part of the Classics Series and was published in the 1907-1909 era. It is also a reprint. This book only has nominal value.
See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series69.htm

Q: Hello, I recently bought this Altemus copy of Milton’s Paradise Lost at an estate sale. I find no publication date. the copy is in fine condition.
Interestingly, it included an 8 sided fold out catalog stuck in the front cover. Considering the age, the catalog is in remarkable condition.
I’m curious about the publication year, value and rarity of these items. I’ve sent some pictures, yet the lighting filter kept changing. Thank you for any info.

A: Your book is from the Dore Masterpieces Series. It appears to have the pebbled cloth and is therefore a Format 2 book. These volumes were published between 1889 and 1901.

I think is is fair to assume that the advertising flyer was printed at about the same time as the book. It can provide some hints at the date. The Dore Bible Gallery in German is pictured. This was initially published in 1892.

Also noted in the ad is Addresses by Drummond. This format was published between 1891 and 1893. See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/images/NS_2.htm

Thus, I would think your book was published in 1892-1893.

Those books in pretty good shape can sell for $50-150. Totally unpredictable.

The advertising flyers are fairly uncommon. I have seen one other 8 page flyer and it is different from yours. I would price it at $25-50. See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/flyers/flyer-S78.htm