The Lucile Project

...recovering the publication history of a single 19th century book.

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Altemus used a variety of endpapers, half-titles, and title pages printed separately from the text bock and used without much regard, apparently, for consistency within a series. The endpapers included a company mongram and were typically printed yellow or green. The half-titles and title pages were lithographs printed in varied single colors or in multiple colors. They included the following array:

Monogram endsheet and half titles

Frontispieces;

Title pages:

HANDY VOLUME Descriptions
in order of appearance in PTLA

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." [Note: The binding illustrated in the cut is that for the 1895 Vademecum Series].

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."

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." r[Cut. See also Beaux Arts Series, 1897].

The American Bookmaker XII:2 (February 1891) p41-42, describes "A Binding by Le Monnier", accompanied by a black and white illustration of a book in the British Museum. The description is "Few specimens of mosaic work in existance surpass in beauty the exquisite little volume herewith illustrated. It is a bible in French, in Cologne in 1739, and its size is 4 1/4 x 3 1/4 inches. The binding is of red morocco, ornamented in the most charming manner with flowers formed by inlaid leathers of various colors. The flowers are principally of a cream color, and the leaves are olive, the outlines and fibres being very delicately and skillfully tooled in gold. The book also has the advantage of being in as sound a condition as when it left the biner's hands, and time has added to its beauty by mellowing the tone of the colors.
The insides of the covers are lined with a delicate blue silk. On a leaf of the centre spray on the lower cover is stamped the name of the binder, which is believed to be that of Jean Charles Henri Le Monnier, who was the most distinguished member of a family which produced many binders of note, and who was especially celebrated for his mosaic bindings. He became a master binder in 1757, and was elected as a "guard" or chief of the fraternity with Denis Trouvain in 1769. He was also binder to the Duke of Orleans, and in a copy of the "Poesies de Malherbe," which he executed for that prince, and which is now preserved in the library of Versailes, we find his ticket pasted inside the cover. It reads: 'Le Monnier, seu Relier-Doreur de Livres de Monseigneur le Duc d'Orlans et de sa Maison. Demeure et vis-a-vis le College de Beauvais, a Paris.' This ticket, which has a very artistic border including the Orleans arms, was also used by Tessier, who succeeded Le Monnier as binder to the Duke, the name and address alone being changed. It should be mentioned that Monnier is the name stamped upon the bindings, although Le Monnier is the form given in the ticket."
Altemus has here copied the design precisely, using colors stamped on cloth rather than mosaic worked on tooled leather.

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." [See also 1898 Valenciennes Series for what appears to be same cut].

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; second cloth binding here is identified from HenryAltemusCompany website. Note: the binding shown left (color border) is that shown in the Fairmont Series (three volumes collected in a slipcase].

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].

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].

1898 PTLA: as 1897. [New cut].

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].

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].

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].

1902 PTLA: as 1901.... "Full cloth, ornamental, boxed, 40 cents." [Cut of three bindings].

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]. [Note: This is the 1905 "Orchid" variant identified by HenryAltemusCompany website].

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; see also 12mos for what appears to be same binding on a larger book].
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 ].

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; Both bindings displayed are identified from www.henryaltemus.com page for Series 141 Petit Trianon (First Numbering).]

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].

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."

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. Note that the PTLA cut, left and right bindings, has the woman holding a circular title placard while the examples displayed have a square placard (as does center, Mucha design). www.henryaltermus.com assures me that no Altemus bindings of this style are known to have a circular placard, suggesting the artist preparing the PTLA illustration erred in depicting the binding.]

1903-1904 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].
1904 PTLA: as 1903. [New cut].

1905-1907 PTLA: as 1904. [New cut; 1905-1906 Variants as identified by HenryAltemusCompany website:].

1907 Variants as identified by HenryAltemusCompany website:

1908-1909 PTLA: as 1907. [New 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 Poets Series].

1898 PTLA: Lucile is #32. "Profusely illustrated... [as 1897]... Full Cloth, ornamental inlaid design, in gold and inks. [$].50". [Cut].

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].

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 save last line .... "Full-White Vellum, full gold, new ornamental design $.50." [Cut; see also 1898 Representative Poets for what seems to be same cut].

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].

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].

Roycroft Series. 1903. Identified by the HenryAltemusCompany website: Green velvet. Title in gold, gothic lettering, on the front cover. Gilt top.

Grolier Series. 1904. Identified by the HenryAltemusCompany website: Ooze calf. Deckle edges. Gilt top. Title in gold at the top of the cover. Boxed.

Christmas Gift Series. 1906-1907. Identified by the HenryAltemusCompany website: Pink, brown or olive green linen cloth. Applique with the title and author's name is placed at the top or bottom of the cover. Floral decorated box. 6.5 x 4.5".

Gem Series. 1910-1912. Identified by the HenryAltemusCompany website: Full leather. Gilt top. Boxed. 6 x 4.25".

Poems We Love Series. No limp ooze bindings are illustrated in PTLA.

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."

vv

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].

Never Old Series. 1915. Identified by the HenryAltemusCompany website: Full morocco with gilt tops. Boxed. 6" x 4.5".

Last revised: 18 March 2023