Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm 1898 Henry Altemus Illustrated Hardcover

A beautifully illustrated antique copy of Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm, part of Altemus’ Young People’s Library, published by Henry Altemus Company of Philadelphia. The copyright page shows 1898, and the title page notes sixty-five illustrations. This small cloth hardcover has a charming pictorial cover, color and black-and-white illustrations, and classic Grimm storytelling in a very giftable old-book size.

Details

∙ Title: Fairy Tales
∙ Author: Brothers Grimm
∙ Series: Altemus’ Young People’s Library
∙ Publisher: Henry Altemus Company, Philadelphia
∙ Copyright: 1898 by Henry Altemus
∙ Format: Hardcover
∙ Binding / Cover: Cloth-feel pictorial cover with green, cream, red, and nautical/sailboat-style illustration
∙ Measurements: 7” x 5” x 1”
∙ Pages: 255 pages
∙ Illustrations: Title page states “with sixty-five illustrations”
∙ Genre: Fairy Tales, Children’s Classics, Illustrated Literature, Antique Children’s Book
∙ Language: English
∙ ISBN: None; predates ISBN system
∙ Notable Interior Features: Color frontispiece, illustrated title page border, additional black-and-white illustrations throughout
∙ Ownership Marks: Private library bookplate on front pastedown; pencil pricing/notation on front free endpaper

Use Ideas: Classic fairy-tale shelf display, vintage children’s book collection, Grimm collector gift, cottagecore decor, antique illustrated book display

Condition Grade: Good

Notes: Cloth-feel pictorial hardcover remains attractive, with readable spine and charming illustrated boards. Interior pages are legible throughout the photographed sections.

There is visible age toning to pages, minor smudges on some pages, edge/corner wear to the cover, rubbing to the boards, and wear at the spine ends and corners. 

Front pastedown has a “Private Library” bookplate, and the front free endpaper has light pencil notation/pricing. 

Binding appears intact from the photos, though this is an older book and should be handled gently. See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key:
Near Fine: Minimal visible wear; clean, tight, and gift-worthy.
Very Good: Light wear from careful use; attractive and solid.
Good: Noticeable use or flaws, but complete and readable/displayable.
Fair: Heavy wear, damage, or markings; still useful or collectible for the right buyer.

Content Overview

This antique Grimm collection gathers fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm in a compact illustrated edition for young readers. The visible pages include classic story formatting, decorative page elements, and illustrated plates, including The Master Thief, The Three Feathers, and The King of the Golden Mountain. It has that old children’s-library feel: sturdy, illustrated, and just a bit mysterious around the edges.

Collector’s Notes

This copy has several things collectors tend to like: an 1898 Henry Altemus imprint, the Altemus’ Young People’s Library series title, a decorative cloth-feel cover, and the title page statement of sixty-five illustrations.

The private library bookplate adds provenance-style charm without overwhelming the book.

It is not a pristine copy, but it is a handsome survivor with strong shelf appeal.

Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)

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Disclaimer

All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description. 

Care and Handling:
Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.