Dr Jur. Wolf-Dieter Barz, Kalrsruhe

 

Michael Galea from Valletta, known for his many articles and books on the Knights of St John and Malta presents with his book  an enriched chronological ''Who is Who'' of the Order's Admirals in Malta.  Foreword and introduction speak of a Minister for Naval Affairs.  The Order's military significance hinged to a great extent on its fleet, since it had established itself on the Islands of Cyprus, Rhodes and Malta whereby the Order did not only fight the Islamic opponent but also afforded protection as Christian sea police to European shipping.  Its corresponding campaigns were envisaged by the Order's statutes, even with regards to the Fief of Malta by the King of Sicily.  Therefore, the navy embodied at the same the State existence of the Order's State of Malta.  Moreover, the respect the Order enjoyed in the European world was largely bound with its navy. Thus it is no surprise that the office of the Admiral carried with it extremely great significance.  The names of Admirals have been recorded since 1330.  According to the quasi-federal nature of the Order of the Admirals, as long as there were suitable candidates, had to belong to the Italian Langue, over which they presided.  The rule was also stipulated in the said Act of Donation to the Order.  In such situation as that of the Admiralty it may sound astonishing that only Admiral, Pietro del Monte, was elected Grand Master in 1568.

Galea has gleaned for his work personal data, etc. from primary sources, namely the old archives of the Order of Malta, which today form part of the National Library.  As to Admirals who died in Malta he reproduces original text (Latin) of the tombstones together with the English translation.  To the German reader the English text is generally an advantage as Galea's style of English renders the text easily intelligible. 

Many, mostly colour, fine illustrations - especially the tombstones in multi-coloured mosaics - are very attractive and indicative of the early modern epoch of the Order.  The book includes a short bibliography, a glossary as well as an alphabetical Index of the Admirals' names.

For those interested in the Order's Navy in Malta and would like to deepen their knowledge of the contemporary Admirals, this is an indispensable reference book.  As the Admirals had behind them an illustrious and chequered career in the Order, Galea contributes with this book to another plastic constellation.

 

 

BOX

Admirals of the Sovereign Military Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, 1530-1798.

By Michael Galea

Horizons,  Malta 2015

188 pages., Hard Bound

ISBN 978-99957-38-85-3