Words in Stone: A Night of History and Literature at the National Library

Imagine, if you will, the grand National Library of Malta, its stone facade bathed in the soft glow of a Mediterranean evening. The air is filled with the rustle of pages and the hum of anticipation. Tonight, the library’s hallowed halls are not silent, but alive with the promise of a public lecture and book launch.

Unveiling the Past: The Lecture

The evening kicks off with a lecture by Dr. Joseph Farrugia, a historian whose name is as synonymous with Maltese history as the Grandmaster’s Palace is with Valletta. His topic? The Knights of St. John, a subject that has captivated locals and tourists alike for centuries. From the library’s ornate reading room, Dr. Farrugia weaves a tale of power, intrigue, and faith that shaped our islands.

He speaks of the Order’s arrival in 1530, their fortifications that still stand proud along our coasts, and their rule that left an indelible mark on our culture and architecture. The audience is spellbound, transported back in time, standing amidst the knights in their grand auberges, witnessing the sieges and celebrations that shaped our history.

A New Chapter: The Book Launch

After a brief intermission, during which the clink of glasses and murmur of conversation fill the air, the stage is set for the book launch. Tonight, we celebrate the release of “Malta: The Making of a Nation” by Professor Kenneth Gambin. This is no ordinary history book; it’s a journey through time, from the Neolithic era to the present day, told with Professor Gambin’s signature insight and wit.

The professor takes the stage, his eyes scanning the sea of faces, a smile playing on his lips. He speaks of his journey, of the countless hours spent poring over ancient texts and artifacts, of the stories he’s uncovered and the ones still waiting to be told. The audience listens, enraptured, as he reads an excerpt from his book, a tale of Malta’s earliest inhabitants, their lives, their struggles, their triumphs.

Engaging with Our Past

Following the reading, the floor is opened for questions. The audience is eager, their minds buzzing with thoughts and queries. They ask about the Great Siege, about the Ġgantija Temples, about the role of women in Malta’s history. Professor Gambin answers each question with patience and enthusiasm, his love for his subject matter evident in every word.

The evening ends with a book signing, a chance for the audience to meet the author, to share their thoughts and take home a piece of history. As the last book is signed and the library’s lights are dimmed, one can’t help but feel a sense of pride and wonder. We are, after all, the sum of our past, and it’s nights like these that remind us of just how fascinating that past is.

So, mark your calendars, dear readers. The National Library, that grand old lady of Republic Street, has many more stories to tell. And who knows? You might just find yourself standing amidst the knights, or walking alongside Malta’s earliest inhabitants. All it takes is an open mind and a willing heart.