Abela | Della descrittione di Malta, Malta, 1647, contemporary vellum

Giovanni Francesco Abela

Della descrittione di Malta isola nel mare siciliano con le sue antichita, ed altre notitie. Libri quattro. Malta: Paolo Bonacota, 1647

folio (294 x 204mm.), half title, engraved title-page, engraved illustration on title-page, 2 engraved maps (one double-page), engraved illustrations, with final blank, contemporary vellum, later lettering-pieces, a few small wormholes, inscription erased from head of engraved title, slightly stained towards end

THE FIRST PUBLISHED HISTORY OF MALTA. Abela (1582-1655) gathered together a huge collection of artefacts from across Malta, some of which became the part of the national museum collection in Valletta. His historical account started with the prehistoric temples and stones, and included numerous Punic and Roman remains.

LITERATURE:

USTC 4048378

PROVENANCE:

Ex libris Josephi De[--], inscription on title-page; Bibliotheca Hierosolymitana... Domini Chauleti (of the Knights of Malta), bookplate; Guy Abela, name at foot of spine