AboutCary Sternick Expertise I can answer any question about the Henry Altemus Company. This was a book publishing Company which was in business between 1842-1933
Experience I have written a book about the Henry Altemus Company and have a website devoted to it. henryaltemus.com
Publications Author of the Henry Altemus Company. Articles in the Newsboy, Yellow Back Library and an upcoming article in Papers of the Bibliographical Society.
Expert: Cary Sternick Date: 3/31/2008 Subject: Dickens' American Publisher/s
Question Hi Cary,
We have a number of copies of Charles Dickens' novels published by James R. Osgood & Co., dated 1871. We know that the first incarnation of James R. Osgood only lasted from 1870 to 1878. What we don't know is 1) whether Dickens had an American publisher prior to Osgood's & 2) a ballpark figure on what the books might be worth.
We do understand that you specialise in a different publishing house, but would appreciate any help or referral you could provide.
Thanks,
Francis
Answer Hi. My records show that James Osgood published books between 1871 and 1878. Dickens died in 1870 while writing The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Numerous publishers in America published his books with and without permission- Harpers, Lea and Blanchard, Getz and Buck, Wiley and Putnam etc. None of Osgood's books were firsts or special. The books by Osgood were not American firsts. values range from nothing to $25 depending upon condition. (This is in my experience as a long time Dickens' collector.
