Brian Blouet makes good use of the mass of interesting material available and provides a well-balanced account of the history and present position of an island, or rather islands, which, though small, have played an important role in European affairs over the centuries. Mr Blouet is a sympathetic as well as an objective analyst, and his study admirably captures the spirit and atmosphere of Malta and the Maltese.

Dr Blouet’s knowledge of Malta and its history is very wide and he has delved deep into original sources, yet he does not forget that he is writing for the layman, so that his text is simple and readable – an excellent book – Nigel Tangye in the Geographical Journal