Della Descrittione Dimalta, Isola Nel Mare Siciliano

Facsimile edition of Abela's 1647 work. Commendatore Fra G. Fran. Abela referred to as ''Father of Maltese Histography'', was one of the most erudite members of the Order of St John. His talents and initiatives often brought him to the forefront in the administrtion of government. Born in 1582 of a Maltese noble family, Abela was admitted into the Order at an early age as Chierico Conventuale di Giustizzia. He stutdied humanities in Malta but later proceeded to Bologna where at the Archigymnasium he graduated in canon and civil law. In 1610 he was ordained priest and later spent his carvans as chaplain of the galleys. He was then made Master of Ceremonies and Lieutenant to the Grand Prior. Abela held various important posts. He served on diplomatic missions to Spain. France and the Holy See and later became Advocate for the Poor, Treasury Counsel and Uditore to the Grandmaster. He was also made Vice-Chancellor of the Order in 1621. He died in 1655.