Histories of Malta – Confessions and Transgressions Vol 09

What they said about Giovanni Bonello’s Histories of Malta Mysteries and Myths – Volume Eight –

What more can be said about Giovanni Bonello and his Histories of Malta that has not been said before? Since the first volume was published all of eight years ago, these Histories have become a fixed, unmissable appointment in local publishing in late October or early November. The great plus is, of course, that many have discovered that reading about history is not necessary a dull activity. The merit lies with Bonello’s restless curiosity that sends him searching the ignored ar rarely frequented alleys and by-ways of historical research, turning up snippets of information whicg he proceeds to weawe into a rich, intriguing tapestry. And then there is the inimitable Bonello style with its telling asides and allusions, all served with a generous amout of wit. Bonello’s untiring detective work and a keen nose for the odd lead … until Bonello’s boundless curiosity caused him to take a long look at it … the disturbing stoty that emerged from the mustry archives had to be read twice over to be beleived. Louis J.Scerri in The Sunday Times.

I … considered good those authors who are able to fulfil these hopes. Some manage this with a single work, others with one book in a series of many, others still have the gift of capturing the imagination of the reader with every page they write. I have to say that in my opinion, giovanni Bonello has earned a place in this last category with the Histories of Malta series. There is a fantactic collection of material in each volume that is able to stand on its own and also to integrate with the rest of the series. Volume aight already holds the promise of the reader’s reward in the subtitle: Mysteries and Myths. How could any self-respecting literary traveller deny himself the opportunity to delve into a book with such an alluring prospect? Bonello’s work certainly fulfils the promise contained in the subtitle which, with a list of seven volumes preceding this newest one, is no meant feat. But that id benello’s gift. The reader needs only to read a few sentences and the irresistibly drawn into the journey that he will abondon only with considerable effort and self-discipline, and to which he will long to return at every occasion until it is brought to its natural conclusion. … the first irresistible pull into this particular volume … As expected, Bonello exhaustively answered all my questions, even adding answers to many others that I had not thought of asking. This is what makes Bonello deserve all the praise that has been lavished on him since this series first saw the light of the day. The Tiepolo article contains process of illusion, stimulated curiosity, research and presentation that is the strong point of all series and that has earned Giovanni Bonello his position among the great Maltese historians of our time. Joe Azzopardi in Vigilio.

To mention briefly just a couple of other pieces in this volume, Bonello has done a very useful job in providing some evidence for the relations during the Order’s rule between Malta and the cities of the Dalmatian coast … his chapter is a study in realpolitk, support by an appendix of documents. His chapter of Dalmatians (human, not canin) in Malta at the time of the Knights is interesting because of its analysis of last wills made by he these people as they lay dying in the Sacra Infermeria … I cannot and will not, go about the plentiful goodies in this volume… Paul Xuereb presenting the book.

This last volume of Histories in the thirty-second of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, and is a worthy and fascinating successor in the preceding collection. One again, Histories has a varied content that ought to satisfy everyone palate. In-Nazzjon

A literary gem. When I was asked to review a book, I was already about to answer “Sorry, too busy!”, but when I heard the name of Giovanni Bonello, I immediatly accepted with enthousiasm. There are several good reasons for this, but in a nutshell it all boils down to the simple fact that I thoughtly enjoy reading Dr Bonello’s wrtitings. He communicates with readers in such a direct, smooth and unpretentious manner that readers forget they are actually enjoyind sailing throught original researched history with which other writers could bore them to death. What impresses me in Dr Bonello’s continuous healthy production. this is the eight volume in the most successful series Histories of Malta, and I hope there will be more … and more!. Besides being a myriad of other things, Dr Bonello is also an established authority on Maltese postcards and possessesa theasuer of collection. What can I say about this book? Hand on heart, I find this book another gem to read; another feather in Dr Bonello already well-feathered hat and another occasion to sweetly sip tons of information in a most delightful way. Paul Farrugia Randon in Weekender.