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Introductory Page
Henry Altemus
Philadelphia, 1842-1936
Altemus produced editions of Lucile in just two sizes: "12mos" (about 5 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches, from 1892?-1902 only) and "Handy Volume" (about 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches, from 1889?-1926). The text of both formats was printed from the same type setting, with the larger formats heavily leaded (to make a longer text column) and with margins generous. The leading was removed and the margins narrowed for the Handy Volume editions. All text blocks have 361 pages so page count alone does not distinguish the two formats.
For information about reported 12mo editions, click here.
HANDY VOLUME Descriptions
in order of appearance in
PTLA
New
Illustrated Vademecum Series.
1895 PTLA: Lucile is #32. "A Collection of the Masterpieces of English and American Literature in uniform binding, handsomely printed from large, new type on fine laid paper, handy volume size. Each volume contains illuminated title page and a portrait of the author. Bound in fine vellum cloth, handsome deign in silver and inks $0.40; Half Russia, full gold backs, gold tops $.75; Half Calf, gold tops, super extra hand finished, boxed $1.25; Half Levant, gold tops, super extra hand finished, boxed $1.50." (Cut of cloth and half leather bindings).
For details of recorded copies, click here.
1896 PTLA: "A collection of the Masterpieces of English and American Literature, handy volume size, large type editions. Each volume contains illuminated title pages, and portrait of the author and numerous engravings in monochrone tints. Full cloth, ivory finish, ornamental inlaid sides and backs, boxed $40; Full White Vellum, full silver and monotint, boxed $50; Polished Half Levant, gold tops, boxed $1.50." (Cut of "Ivory Finish" and "Silver and monotint" bindings). For details of recorded copies, click here.
Ivory Finish:
Silver & Monotint:
1897 PTLA: as 1896... "and portrait of the author and numerous engravings. Full Cloth, ivory finish, ornamental inlaid sides and backs, boxed $.40". (Cut).
For details of recorded copies, click here.
1898
PTLA: as 1897. (New cut) For details of recorded copies,
click here.
1899
PTLA: Lucile is #120. "Containing the most popular
works of standard authors. HANDY VOLUME, LARGE TYPE editions, with
appropriate text and full-page illustrations. Superior paper and
printing. Illuminated title pages, etched portraits, and original
aquarelle frontispieces in eight colors. Unique binding from design
by famous European Artist. Full cloth, ivory finish, embossed gold
and inlaid colors, with side titles, boxed... 40 cts." (Cut). For
details of recorded copies, click here.
1900
PTLA: Lucile is #120. "Containing the most popular
works of standard authors. HANDY VOLUME, LARGE TYPE editions, with
appropriate text and full-page illustrations. Superior paper and
printing. Illuminated title pages, etched portraits, and original
aquarelle frontispieces in eight colors. Ornamental inlaid bindings
heretofore included only in collections of connoisseurs. Full Cloth,
Ivory Finish, embossed design in gold and inlaid colors, with side
titles, boxed... 40 cents." (Cut of several volumes). For details of
recorded copies, click here.
1901 PTLA: Lucile is #120. "The most popular works
of standard authors, carefully printed on fine paper, with numerous
full page half-tone, text and other appropriate illustrations,
illuminated titles, original aquarelle frontispieces, in eight
colors, and etched portraits. Strictly new idea in binding, with
original inlaid effects in colors. Full cloth, ivory finish, with
side titles, boxed, 40 cents." (Cut of three bindings). For details
of recorded copies, click here.
1902
PTLA: as 1901.... "Full cloth, ornamental, boxed, 40 cents."
(Cut of three bindings). For details of recorded copies, click
here.
1903 PTLA: as 1902. (New cuts at two places).
1904 PTLA: as 1903. (New cut).
1905-1906 PTLA: Lucile is #120. "A carefully
selected list of the works of standard authors, well printed on good
paper and handsomely bound in handy-volume style. Illuminated
titlepages. Full cloth, ornamental, boxed, 40 cents." (New cut).
1907 PTLA: as 1906. (New cut).
1908 PTLA: as 1906. (New cut).
1909 PTLA: as 1908. (New cut).
1910-1914 PTLA: as 1909. (New cut).
1915
PTLA: as 1914, with some volumes offered in "Imitation
Morocco, Gilt Top, Boxed, $1.00." (New cut).
1916 PTLA: as 1915, without Imitation Morocco offer.
1917-1919 PTLA: Lucile is #120 (among "English Poets"); list is presented in genres rather than number order. " Attractive, Handy Volume Books that show conspicuously on any counter or in any company. The Altemus New Vademecum Series includes the best known and most widely read books by authors of universal popularity, books that have attained a permanent place in the world's literature, books that touch the deepest chords in human emotion, that have taken their place in the hearts and memories of thousands of readers, and that for excellence, variety, and interest, satisfy every taste. / The Classics for Girls and Boys provide the enduring books for the young reader's world. They should find a place in every school and home library. Cloth, price per volume, 50 Cents." (No cut).
1920 PTLA: as 1919, except price 75 cents. (No cut).
1921,
1925-1926 PTLA: as 1920. (New cut). For information on
reported copies, click here.
1928 United States Catalog: Lucile. (Altemus' new vademecum ser.) 75c.
Representative Poets.
1895
PTLA: Altemus' Representative Poets (Lucile is
#12). "A collection of standard works by the representative poets of
England and America. Each volumes contains a portrait of the author
and an illuminated photogravure title page. Handsomely printed on
fine laid paper, from clear open-faced type and beautifully bound in
a handy volume size. Cloth, handsome, new and original design, full
gilt, gilt tops, attractively boxed $0.75 (cut of Scott). Half
Crushed Levant, super extra hand finished, untrimmed edges, sewn with
silk, gilt tops $1.50. Half Genuine English Calf, super extra hand
finished, new ornamental inlaid backs, untrimmed edges, sewn with
silk, gilt tops $2.00. Also offered in Renasissance Binding,
"embracing the most handsome and artistic designs ever produced in
this country. These series of the choicest literature are finished in
the highest style of the bookbinder's art, and are adapted for the
finest trade. No expense has been spared om their manufacture, and
for dainty gifts they cannot be excelled. The books are printed on
fine laid paper, with portrait of the author and photogravure title
page, and are bound in the following styles: Full Calf, gilt side and
back, various colors, edges gilt in boards; Tree Calf, squares rolled
in gold, edges gilt in boards; Full Turkey Morocco, antique, edges
gilt in boards; Full Crushed Levant, antique, edges gilt in boards;
Full Calf, beautifully inlaid sides; handsomely boxed, price
$4.00."
1897
PTLA: Lucile is #12. "A collection of well-known
poems by the representative poets of England and America. Each volume
contains a portrait of the author and an illuminated photogravure
title page. Handsomely printed on fine laid paper, from clear
open-faced type and beautifully bound in handy volume size. Cloth,
handsome, new and original design, full silver $0.50." (Cut). See
also Beaux Arts Series, 1897.
1898
PTLA: Lucile is #12. "A collection of well-known
poems by the representative poems of England and America. Each volume
contains a portrait of the author and an illuminated photogravure
title page. Handsomely printed on fine paper, from clear open-faced
type and beautifully bound in handy volume size. Cloth, handsome, new
and original full gold design, gold tops $.50."
The Laurel Series.
1895
PTLA: Lucile is #17, boxed with Undine. "A
collection of Standard Works, suitable for the library, in uniform
binding. Handsomely printed on fine laid paper; handy volume size.
Sold only in sets of two volumes, boxed. Bound in maroon English silk
cloth, with gilt sides and backs, and gold tops $1.00; Half-crushed
Levant, super-extra hand finished, gold tops, untrimmed edges, sewn
with silk $3.00; Half-genuine English calf, super- extra hand
finished, new ornamental inlaid backs, etc., untrimmed edges, sewn
with silk, gilt tops $4.00." (Cuts of cloth and levant bindings in
notched slipcases).
1896
PTLA: as 1895 ..."handy volume size. Each volume contains
illuminated title, portrait of the author and numerous illustrations
in monochrome inks." Also offered: "Bound in polished Florentine
vellum, with gilt side and backs, and gold tops. Per set of two
volumes, boxed together $1.00."
Fairmont Series.
1895
PTLA: Lucile is set #10, boxed with Undine and Lady
of the Lake. "A Collection of Popular Books by Standard Authors, in
uniform bindings, handsomely printed on fine laid paper; handy volume
size. Each volume contains portrait of the author and illuminated
titlepage. Adapted for use in the library or for presentation
purposes. Atrractively boxed.... (cut shows three volumes in the
"rainbow" binding in half-slipcase)." "Ornamental cloth, beautiful
design, full silve and inks side and backs, three volumes, boxed
together $1.25; Half Russia, full gilt backs, three volumes, boxed
together $2.50; Half Calf, handsomely tooled backs, raised bands,
gold-vein paper sides and linings, three volumes, boxed together
$3.75; Half Levant, gilt tops, super extra hand finished $4.50."
Petit Trianon Series.
1896
PTLA: Lucile is #40. "A collection of the
Masterpieces of English and American Literature, handy volume size,
large type editions. Each volume contains illuminated title pages,
and portrait of author and illustrations in aqua-tint colors.
Half-White Vellum and Gold, Gold Top, boxed. $.50; Full Granada
Cloth, full gold, both sides and back, gold top, boxed $.75; Half
Calf, gold top, boxed $1.25." (Cut).
1897
PTLA: as 1896 .... "and numerous illustrations. Half White
vellum and Gold, boxed $.50." (Cut).
1898 PTLA: Lucile is #32. As 1897... "numerous
illustrations. Half-White Vellum and Gold, Gold Top, boxed.
[$].50". (Cut). For details of recorded copies, click
here.
1899 PTLA: Lucile is #120. "...of standard works selected from the famous auhtors of the world. HANDY VOLUME, LARGE TYPE editions, with appropriate text and full-page engravings. Original aquarelle frontispieces in eight colors, and etched portraits. Half white vellum, embossed in gold, and exquisite floral sides, boxed. 50 cents."
----. Cream cloth stamped gold and silver. University of
Washington: NL 0594662.
1900 PTLA: Lucile is #120. "...of standard works
selected from the famous auhtors of the world. HANDY VOLUME, LARGE
TYPE editions, with appropriate text and full-page engravings.
Superior paper and printing. Illuminated title pages, original
aquarelle frontispieces in eight colors, and etched portraits. Half
white vellum, embossed in gold, exquisite floral sides, boxed. 50
cnts." (Four bindings are pictured; size of volumes and bindings
vary).
1901
PTLA: "A selected list of popular titles in handy-volume
size, presented in a binding effect that is entirely new and novel.
Half-white vellum and gold, highly artistic floral and figure
effects. Gold top, gold sides, and back titles, boxed, 50 cents."
(Cut).
1902 PTLA: as 1901... "Gold sides, and gilt top, boxed 50
cents." (Cut as 1901).
1903
PTLA: Lucile is #120. "A select list of popular
titles in handy-volume size, presented in dainty and effective
bindings. Half-white vellum and gold, with artistic effects in
colors. Gold sides, and gilt top, boxed, 50 cents." (Cuts at two
places). For information on reported copies, click here
1904
PTLA: as 1903. (New cut). For information on reported
copies, click here.
1905-1907
PTLA: as 1904. (New cut).
1908-1909
PTLA: as 1907. (New Cut).
Valenciennes Series.
1897
PTLA: Lucile is #32. "A Choice Library of
Masterpieces of American and English authors, handy volume size,
large type editions. Each volume contains portrait of the author,
illuminated title pages and numerous appropriate engravings.
Full-White Vellum, ornamental floral design in full silver and
various tinted inks. [$].50". (Cut).
1898: as 1897 .... "Full-White Vellum, full gold, new ornamental
design $.50." (Cut).
Beauxarts Series.
1897
PTLA: Lucile is #32. "The choicest masterpieces of
English and American authors, handy volume size, large type editions.
Each volume contains portrait of author, illuminated title pages and
numerous appropriate engravings. Full Cloth, calf finish, inlaid
Indo-Afghan design in gold $.50." (Cut shares tools with
"Representative Poets").
See also 1897 Representative Series. For color scans and
information on reported copies, click here.
1898
PTLA: Lucile is #32. "Profusely illustrated...
[as 1897]... Full Cloth, ornamental inlaid design, in gold
and inks. [$].50". (Cut).
For color scans and information on reported copies, click
here.
1900
PTLA: Lucile is #120. "A library of choice
literature. Embracing popular works of the most famous authors. HANDY
VOLUME, LARGE TYPE editions, with appropriate text and full-page
illustrations. Original aquarelle frontispieces in eight colors,
etched portraits of authors, and illuminated title pages...English
linen, unique inlaid design in gold and colors, boxed...50 cts."
(Cut).
1902
PTLA: As 1900... "English cloth, unique inlaid lace and gold
effects, boxed, 50 cts." (Cut).
Handy Volume Classics in Sets.
1897
PTLA. "Five Volume Sets, handsomely boxed." Lucile
is in "Representative English Poetry, No. 2" with The Princess and
Maud; Marmion; The Light of Asia; and Bab Ballads and Savoy Songs.
"Half Vellum, inlaid floral design, in gold and ink $1.50." (Cut
seems to show quarter leather bindings in half slipcase).
Sanspareil series.
1898
PTLA: Lucile is #63. "A choice selection of the
best works of English and American authors, handy volume size, large
type editions. Each volume is embellished with portrait of the
author, illuminated title pages and numerous half-tone engravings.
Cloth, full gold and inks. [$].35". (Cut shows elaborate
floral pattern surrounding an oval, itself containing a floral
design, which fills the frame from near top to near bottom).
1899:
Lucile is #106. "A choice selection of the best works of
famous authors, in HANDY VOLUME, LARGE TYPE editions. Superior paper
and printing. Each volume is embellished with etched portraits of the
author, or aquarelle frontispieces in eight colors, illuminated title
pages, and numerous half-tone engravings. Cloth, unique design in
full gold and colors. 35 cnts." (New cut).
Marqueterie Series.
1899:
Lucile is #120. "A library of choice literature. Embracing
popular works of the most famous authors. HANDY VOLUME, LARGE TYPE
editions, with appropriate text and full-page illustrations. Original
aquarelle frontispieces in eight colors, etched portraits of authors,
and illuminated title pages... Japanese inlaid veneer binding, in
unique design in gold and color. 50 cts". (Cut).
La Belle Fleur Series.
1901
PTLA: Lucile is #120. "Handy volume, large-type
editions, handsomely printed on fine paper, and appropriately
illustrated with full-page half-tone, text and other illustrations,
illuminated title pages, and frontispieces. A Truly artistic binding.
English linen, with artistic, new and original inlaid effects in
colors. New design in silver and inks, with side title, jacketed, 40
cents." (Cut). For information on reported copies, click here.
L'Art Nouveau Series.
1901
PTLA: Lucile is #120. "A collection of standard
works of English and American authors. Carefully printed on fine
paper from large, clear type, handy-volume size. Embellished with
numerous half-tone illustrations, illuminated titles, and original
aquarelle frontispieces in eight colors and etched portraits.
Presented in a binding effect from the famous L'Art Nouveau idea.
Full Cloth. New design in gold and inks, and handsome illuminated
inlaid sides, side titles, boxed, 50 cents." (Cut).
Diplome d'Honneur Series.
1902
PTLA: A selected list of popular books in handy-volume size,
presented in a binding effect tht is entirely new and original.
Half-white vellum and brocaded satin, gold top, boxed, 50 cents."
(Cut).
Poems We Love Series. No limp ooze bindings are illustrated in PTLA; for information on reported copies, click here.
1912-1914 PTLA: Limp Velvet Calf, Gold Tops, Boxed, $1.00 each. Lucile is #7 of ten titles.
1915 PTLA: as 1912 ... and "Full Morocco, Gilt Top. Boxed $1.25."
1915 PTLA: as 1912 (without morocco).
1916 PTLA: as 1912 and "... $1.50 each."
Universal Classics.
1913-1916 PTLA: Full Morocco, boxed. $1.25. Lucile is #10 of 20 titles.
1917 PTLA: as 1913 except "...$2.00 each."
1918-1920 PTLA: as 1917.
1921
PTLA: "All of these books are old favorite classics,
embodying the best literature ever produced and covering a wide range
of authors. No collection of books is better suited to those who
desire to live full, rich lives, than are the book offered in this
series. An exceedingly attractive gift edition. Full Morocco, Gilt
Top, Side and Back, Deckle Edge, Colored End Papers, Silk Marker,
Boxed. Price, $2.00 Each." (Cut).
A number of recorded copies have not been identified as one of the PTLA-described editions illustrated above. For scans of and information about these copies, click here.
Beauxarts Series, 1897-1898, 1900, 1902; Fairmount Series, 1895; Diplome d'Honneur Series, 1902; Handy Volume Classics in Sets, 1897; La Belle Fleur Series, 1901; Laurel Series, 1895-1897; Marqueterie Series, 1899; Noveau Series, 1901; Petit-Trianon Series, 1896-1909; Poems We Love Series, 1912-1917; Representative Poets, 1895, 1897-1898; Sanspareil Series, 1898-1899; Universal Classics, 1913-1921; Vademecum Series, 1895-1921, 1925-1926; Valenciennes Series, 1897-1898
1895: Fairmount Series; Laurel Series; New Vademecum Series;
Representative Poets
1896: Laurel Series; New Illustrated Vademecum Series; Petit Trianon
Series
1897: Beauxarts Series; New Illustrated Vademecum Series; Petit
Trianon Series; Representative Poets; Valenciennes Series; Handy
Volumes Classics in Sets (Representative English Poetry #2)
1898: Beauxarts Series; New Illustrated Vademecum Series; Petit
Trianon Series; Representative Poets; Sanspareil Series; Valenciennes
Series
1899: Marqueterie Series; Petit-Trianon Series; New Illustrated
Vademecum Series; Sanspareil Series
1900: Beauxarts Series; New Illustrated Vademecum Series;
Petit-Trianon Series
1901: La Belle Fleur Series; Noveau Series; Petit-Trianon Series; New
Illustrated Vademecum Series
1902: Beauxarts Series; Diplome d'Honneur Series; New Illustrated
Vademecum Series; Petit-Trianon Series
1903-1909: New Vademecum Series; Petit-Trianon Series
1910-1911: New Vademecum Series
1912: New Vademecum Series; Poems We Love Series
1913-1917: Altemus' Library; New Vademecum Series; Poems We Love
Series; Universal Classics
1918-1919: Altemus' Library; New Vademecum Series; Universal
Classics
1920: New Vademecum Series; Universal Classics
1921: Altemus' Library; New Vademecum Series; Universal Classics
....
1925-1926: New Vademecum Series
1928 United States Catalog: Lucile. (Altemus' new
vademecum ser.) 75c.
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