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Malta: An Account and an Appreciation. By Sir Harry Luke (Harrap. 15s.)
THE former Lieutenant-Governor of Malta (193o-38) throughout his thirty-five years in the Colonial service has sought and held posts in Mediterranean territories and brings, therefore, to his shrewd and intimate appreciation of the islands of Malta and Gozo a broad understanding of-Levantine civilisation in the light of which many Maltese qualities shine more brightly. Though this substantial work disclaims being either a guide-book or a history, it is full of knowledge of the sort which every intelligent visitor to the islands desires to acquire. In Malta, as nowhere else in the world, is to be found an epitome of the history of Europe, as well as prehistoric remains which belong to the age when Europe and Africa were united by land. Sir Harry is concerned mainly with the richness bequeathed by the log rule of the Grand Masters of the Order of St. John. His own part in preserving and restoring some of the treasures of Baroque and Renaissance architecture was considerable. Perhaps this excellent book will stir young scholars to open up the unique storehouse of historical material carefully cherished in Valetta.
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