Question & Answer Series 180 Vademecum Series

Q: I was hoping you could tell me the date of this book (The Fairy Land of Science). I cannot seem to locate another edition with this cover.
It is just “Henry Altemus” on title page with an image of Mount Blanc on opposite page.  Some of the topics are: sunbeams, ocean, coal and bees.

A: Your book is part of the Vademecum Series and was published in 1903. See: Henry Altemus Company – Vademecum Series (later numbering) Series 180

During 1903, books in this Altemus series used one of more than 43 different paste-ons on the cover. Your cover is #5 here: Henry Altemus Company – Vademecum Series / European Artists

These pictures could be combined to form a larger illustration. #5 was combined with #18. (look at the bottom of the page)

Question & Answer Series 180 Vademecum Series

Q: Hello, I have this copy of Emerson’s Essays and would like to know the publication date and if it was part of any printed series like the Vademecum. It says “First Series”, what does that mean?

Any additional information would be greatly appreciated.

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

See: http://www.henryaltemus.com/series/series180.htm

It is a reprint with nominal value.

Altemus published two books of Emerson’s Essays. One is called “First Series”. The other is called “Second Series”.