Henry Altemus Company

The following are questions submitted via email by our visitors.

If you have a question about Altemus books that you'd like answered please click on the Questions link at the bottom left of this page.

Young Folks Puzzle Pictures Series

Q:  I have an Altemus book, Mother Goose's Puzzle Pictures. The condition is not very good, but I was wondering if you could tell me anything about it - the title page is marked Philadelphia, Henry Altemus Company, and on the back of the title page Copyright, 1906, by Howard E.Altemus. No author, but the Introductory section is initialed J.H.W. at the bottom. I looked on your site to see if there was any info but was not able to find any . . . Thanks is advance for any help!

A:  This series of 5 books was published in dust jackets in 1906 (your book-Volume 1) and 1907 (Volumes 2-5). The puzzle in these books is finding the hidden object within each page. For more information: Young Folks Puzzle Pictures Series

Young People's Library- Format 2

Q:  Child's Life of Christ

A:  This book is part of the Young People's Library, Format 2. It was published between 1898 and 1902. It originally came with a dust jacket.
It is a reprint.
For more information see: Henry Altemus Company - Young People's Library Series 202

Young People's Library, Format 4

Q:  I’ve had this book for awhile & recently wanted to give it to my granddaughter, but her mother didn’t want it since she had so many books already!
It was from a library, I think, that said 3 day book. & then given to a Sunday school child in 1929. There’s an inscription.
Now I’m reading it to my other 5 year old granddaughter. I was looking to see when it was first published and did not see a date. That’s when I looked it up on the Internet & was curious to see about ordering other titles that were listed in the back , all $1.00 each!
What can you tell me about this book. A Child's Story of the Bible

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

Young People's Library-Format 4

Q:  Can you tell me about this book? The Pilgrim's Progress
Picked it up for a friend because it looked interesting.

A:  Your book is from the Young People's Library-Format 4. It was published between 1923 and 1933. See Henry Altemus Company - Young People's Library Series 202 for exact dating information.

The dust jacket matches the book. This title was also seen with a variant applique on the cover. (Shown here)

Young People's Library, Format 4

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 here.

This volume is a reprint and has nominal value.

Young People's Library Format 3

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.

Young People's Library, Format 1

Q:  Hello I have been given some of my great grandmothers books and was told my copy of Through the Looking Glass is a rare first edition version one. I have attached some pictures could you confirm this for me and possibly direct me to the best place to sell such an item?

A:  Your "Through the Looking Glass" is not a first edition. It is one of a myriad of reprints published in the 1890's.

It is the first Altemus edition of this title. It is part of the Young People's Library, Format 1 and was published in 1895.

See Young People's Library Series 202 Format 1

Because of condition, its value is significantly limited.

Young People's Library

Q:  Hello. I would like a bit of info as to the value of this book. It seems to have only one printing? Please and thank you.

A:  Your book is part of the Young People's Library, Format 2. There are four formats in this series. The easiest defining feature is the spine.

Format 2 spine

Format 2 was published between 1898 and 1902. Your book was published between 1900-1902 because the Henry Altemus Company imprint was used on the title page beginning when Altemus incorporated in 1900.

Aesop's Fables was published in each format.

See Format 1

Your book has nominal value.

Young People's Library Format 1

Q:  Hello, I have an old Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, I have looked endlessly for the exact copy but was not successful. I was hoping you could help me out, thank You! It's a 1896 edition and it stumps me.

A:  Your book is part of The Young People’s Library, Format 1. Alice was first published in this series in 1895. Based on the ads your book was published in late 1897/ early 1898.

This is usually a book that is in great demand although in this shape, that would not be the case.

Young People’s Library

Q:  I have a copy of this book in my possession, I was wondering if it is valuable? Uncle Tom's Cabin. This inside jacket says Copyright 1900.

A:  You have shown a book from Series 202 Young People’s Library. With slight color variances this cover is #30 in both Format 2 and Format 3. Format 2 books were published between 1898 and 1903 and had a distinctive spine pattern. Format 3 books are published between 1903-1923 and also had a particular spine decoration. Without a dust jacket neither has significant value.

See http://henryaltemus.com/ypl/index.htm for more details.