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Author
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Topic: Fortresses of the Knights
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Gordon
unregistered
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posted 07-13-2001 04:46 PM
Stephen C Spiteri, Fortresses of the Knights, Book Distributors Limited, Malta, ISBN 99909-72-07-9.
An extremely worthwhile, though slightly expensive volume at 20 LM (Liri Maltese..approx £30).
'To study the development of design and construction of the Knights of St John (Hospitallers) is to study the same for the whole world', so said one reviewer. He is right, since the Knights of St John were at the forefront of castle development throughout the castle building eras. This book provides a gazetteer of all their works, extant, ruined and gone. It discusses the historical perspective from their role as the acknowledged frontrunners in the Crusading wars, their travels across the Mediterranean from Outremer, through Rhodes to Malta. How their various confrontations affected the design of their works, and how they adapted their role, construction tecniques and design to meet loacl needs and the development of weaponry. Details on events are also provided, such as the sieges of Crac des Cavaliers, Rhodes and Malta. This is a superbly illustrated work, with detailed drawings, photos, and photographs or relevant contemporary records /illustrations.
A very thorough work which in my view was worth every penny.
Availabilty outside Malta is an issue still requiring some investigation, though like many other serious history publications on the island, I've not seen them elsewhere as yet. This is a great pity, since the contemporary records left by the Knights, and the high quality of research by the University of Malta and their Museums Dept, mean that much of their work has limited overseas exposure.
If I can track down an address or web site for the publisher, I'll add it later.------------------
'Demeure par la verite'
Visit; Gordon's Scottish Castles Resource Page |
Peter
Member
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posted 07-18-2001 03:34 PM
 
Seen this reviewed over the years, and always with good mentions.
It is on my list .. but as to when ? |
Gordon
unregistered
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posted 07-18-2001 05:11 PM
The only contact I have for this publisher is a telephone number, Malta 242443,
or 0949 4952 (presumably a mobile), Fax Malta 251408. No web site available, and the Maltese bookstore web page I found, do not include their publications.------------------
'Demeure par la verite'
Visit; Gordon's Scottish Castles Resource Page | |
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