Historical Dictionary of Malta [Hardcover]

Warren G. Berg (Author)

Book Description

Series: Historical Dictionaries of Europe | Publication Date: October 1995

The Historical Dictionary of Malta provides an introduction to the history of this strategic archipelago. Blessed with one of the world's finest protected deep-water harbors, the islands have been coveted and invaded by the major maritime powers throughout history. The chronology and the extensive dictionary entries highlight the impact that each foreign power, from the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes, and Malta (1530-1798) to Great Britain (1799-1964), made on the islands. They also cover the political, economic, and social situation in the country since its independence from Britain in 1964. The historical dictionary contains a bibliography for further study of the important events in the history of the islands including the two seiges of Malta by the Turks in 1585 and the Axis powers during World War II. It should be of interest to those in the scholarly professions, many laypersons, and even casual tourists.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The seventy-sixth installment in the publisher�s Historical Dictionaries of Europe series focuses on a tiny Mediterranean island nation that has been the stopping point for people from widely divergent cultures throughout history. At different times, Malta has been occupied by Arabs, British, Carthaginians, French, and Normans, among others. Today, Malta is the smallest member of the European Union, whether measured by population or landmass. However, this fact does not make Malta insignificant. In many ways, its history, politics, and culture are a microcosm of Europe�s. This volume is a second edition, significantly expanding and updating the original 1995 version. Entries are alphabetically arranged and cover biographical, economic, linguistic, geographical, religious, and social topics in brief. Sample topics include Arab rule, Emigration, Flag of Malta, Tourism, and Women. Most entries are less than a page long and contain numerous cross-references. The A�Z entries are preceded by a chronology and introductory essay. The chronology is quite detailed, especially from the year of Malta�s independence, 1964, onward. Some helpful maps are included, both historical and current. The opening 19-page essay covers geography and prehistoric inhabitants as well as later occupiers and colonizers, nationhood, economic and social development, and the European Union. A bibliography of more than 30 pages comes at the end�substantial enough to warrant its own table of contents, with print and electronic resources divided into categories. This is a wonderful aid for a user wishing to conduct further research. Overall, this volume would be a good addition for both academic and large public libraries. --Michael Tosko --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Review

...it is an excellent resource for students and for those new to the islands' history. (South European Society & Politics )

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 190 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (October 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810830183
• ISBN-13: 978-0810830189
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,001,610 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of The Historical Dictionary of Malta, January 19, 2007

By 

Erik P. Berg - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Historical Dictionary of Malta (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book, well written and expertly researched.
Dr. Berg has provided a superb historical overview of this marvelous country and its rich history.