The book  Dimech Poeta: Mill-habs ghall-ezilju (Dimech the Poet: From prison to exile) by Jessica Micallef will be officially launched next Friday 5 September during the commemoration marking 100 years from Dimech’s exile, at the Valletta waterfrom (opposite the Barrakka Lift) at 7pm. This anthology contains Dimech’s poems from the time of his youth till the end of his life in Egypt where he was exiled. Every poem bears explanatory notes and, where necessary, critical comments. The book contains poetic lirical, human, social, didactic, religious, political, and national sentiments. It also has a presentation by Prof. Oliver Friggieri, and a study by Dr Adrian Grima from the University of Malta. This is the first time that such an anthology has been done.

To mark this occasion, the President of Malta shall unveil a commemorative plaque at Valletta’s waterfront. The public is invited to join the President of Malta in remembering and honour Dimech’s exile. Poems by Dimech shall be read, and a short commemorative address shall be delivered. Afterwards, from Maltese traditional boats offered by the Kooperattiva Barklori, together with the President,  floral tributes shall by laid upon the sea as a sign of respect and gratitude.

September 5, 1914, was a dreadful day for Manuel Dimech. That was the day on which he began his permanent exile.

The book shall be on sale next Friday, 5 September, 2014 for the special price of €10.