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.

Riviere Series

Q:  Can you please help identify this book? Two pics attached.

A:  Your book is part of the Riviere Series which was published in 1901. This series consisted of 87 volumes. The books were reprints of various works of fiction, essays, poetry etc. The books originally came with a jacket, a picture of which is enclosed for your interest. Book covers came in various colors. Your book was volume #35. (The number of books was 87 but the numbering went to 165. Altemus just skipped various numbers).

Rosemonte Series

Q:  Hi, I am sure this happen all the time but I can't find a date on this book (Black Beauty). I am wondering if you can tell me the age? The pages are uneven and really rough cut. The illustrations are mostly black but I think there are 3 or 4 color ones. This one does not have any copyright from what I can see. I have thought of giving this to a family member but don't want to let it go if it is valuable.

A:  I believe that this book was first published in 1915 and then reprinted for a few years thereafter.

It is a late reprint of this title.

Although a very nice book with great illustrations, because there are just so many editions of this title it has no significant value.
See: Rosemonte Series

Sanspareil Series

Q:  I recently came across 2 books at a sale and was intrigued by their covers. Both were published by Henry Altemus, Philadelphia. They are in very good condition, but I can't find a date. The information on the website informed me they were published before 1900. Would you be able to supply me with more information? The one on the left is "Essays" by Lord Francis Bacon and the one on the right is Sesame and Lilies by John Ruskin.
Thank you.

A:  I have included both pages where you can find both of your books.

This site is for the Sanspareil series. Your book (on the right) is an 1898 book. http://henryaltemus.com/series/series162.htm

This site is for the Vademecum Series. Your book (on the left) is an 1897 book. http://henryaltemus.com/series/series179.htm

Both books are part of an Altemus publisher's series. They are reprints and only have nominal value.

Sanspareil Series

Q:  I have an Henry Altemus book titled "Essays", by Ralph Waldo Emerson Second series. There is a Roman numeral II on the top of the spine. The front cover is green and has an oval in the center with Red Poppies inside of it. I've attached photos. I thought that I had seen it on your HenryAltemus.com website but now can't locate it. Can you please tell me what series and year it is?

A:  Your book was published in 1898 as part of the Sanspareil Series. This publisher's series included only reprints of poetry, essays, classics, fiction, etc.

See http://henryaltemus.com/series/series162.htm for more information.

Sanspareil Series

Q:  I found this in my company’s leave-one-take-one book pile. It’s one of yours. John Ruskin’s Queen of the Air. I have no use for it but if you do lemme know. I like your site.

A:  Your book was published in 1898.

See http://henryaltemus.com/series/series162.htm

Sanspareil Series

Q:  I just found this book in a box of old books of my Grandmother. Title is "House of Seven Gables" published by Henry Altemus Manufacture, Philadelphia. There is no publishing date. What can you tell me about it?? Is it worth taking to a book dealer or trying to sell it on e-bay?

A:  This book is part of the Sanspareil Series. The books of this publisher's series of reprints originally had dust jackets.

Your book can be found here: http://henryaltemus.com/series/series162.htm

It was published in 1898.

It has only nominal value.

Sanspareil Series (earlier numbering)

Q:  We have a book, The Autocrat of The Breakfast Table, by Oliver Wendell Holmes, copyright 1897, any help or information would be greatly appreciated.

A:  Your book was published in 1898 as part of the Sanspareil Series. It is a reprint. For more information, see: http://henryaltemus.com/series/series162.htm

Sanspareil Series

Q:  I would like to know what series this book is or any information you can give me on this book? It's copyright date is 1895 and titled Poe's Poems. Value?

A:  Your book was published in 1899 as part of the Sanspareil Series.

See http://henryaltemus.com/series/series163.htm.

It is a reprint and generally sells for only a few dollars. There are a number of Poe collectors that sometimes however will pay more than I think the book is worth.

Sanspareil Series

Q:  Can u tell me anything about this book (Black Beauty)? there are only 4 illustrations. the only color page is opposite the author page. no date. engraved cover.

A:  Your book is from the Sanspareil Series and was published in 1899. This is a publisher's series of reprints. It consists mainly of fiction, poetry, essays, etc. It originally came with a dust jacket.

See http://henryaltemus.com/series/series163.htm

Since the books of this series are all reprints, except for a few special well collected titles, their value is only nominal.

Sanspareil Series

Q:  Hi - My mother recently gave my 7 year old the attached book. He is very fond of it and carries it everywhere. I am worried that it may be more valuable than she readily is aware and should be reshelved. Could you possibly take a look and let me know the history in regards the book?

A:  Your book was published in 1899 as part of the Sanspareil Series.
See http://henryaltemus.com/series/series163.htm

It only has nominal value so carrying it around won't hurt its value.