The Story of Malta

The narrative combines travel description and concise history of a small Mediterranean island group, explaining its strategic geography, harbors, and increased prominence since the opening of the Suez Canal. It traces successive cultural layers from ancient colonists and Arab rule to the era dominated by a Catholic knightly order, and describes fortifications, maritime trade, and coastal bays. Detailed chapters depict Valletta's streets, churches, and public life, the neighboring isles with prehistoric remains and distinctive geology, and local climate, agriculture, and industries such as lace and honey. Throughout, the author records social contrasts, popular customs, health and sanitary notes, and sights likely to interest tourists and students of antiquity.