A Concise History of Malta

by Carmel Cassar

Malta consists of a minuscule central Mediterranean archipelago whose geographical isolation made possible the development of peculiar characteristics stating from prehistoric times. At the same time cultural influences from neighbouring southern European and North African states continued to be integrated into the socio-cultural fabric of Malta. This book aims to provide a clear and informative guide to the history of Malta which is both Mediterranean and European - an island where the burden of the past weighs heavily on the present. Among the central themes of the book are the relationship between state, economy and society; Malta's strategic position in the Mediterranean; the impact of war; and thw way political power was used, in whose interests and with what consequences. It takes into account the great figures of maltese history - St Paul, Count Roger the Norman, Grand Master La Valette, the two Mizzis, Strickland, Borg Olivier, and Mintoff.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Travel

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of this little island group in the dead center of the Mediterranean - where many cultures have collided and mixed, where the strategic importance of the unique location can never be overlooked - is endlessly fascinating, and Cassar’s book provides a fine introduction to it.

[Vilgot Björling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly written work on Malta’s history, focusing mainly on the period from medieval to modern times. Carmel Cassar does a fine job on explaining the complex social contexts that shaped Maltese cultural development. The book focuses heavily on the Maltese people’s heritage, national identity and political consciousness.
One limitation however was the minimal attention given to the North African influence on Maltese culture and society throughout history, as the author mainly focuses on the Italian and British influences. And sadly, the author never specifies sources so it cannot be used as reference in academics. Despite the shortcomings, it is one of the few books that actually gives the reader a concise history of Malta.

[Preston · Rating 2 out of 5]

***Read for history class***