The dual narrative entitled Of Craft and Honour and a Templar’s Chronicles, by George G. Buttigieg, with one of the two main stories being based in Malta, has just been officially launched.

The Malta narrative is set in the summer of 2008, while the other narrative happens in 1307 when all the Templars in France were arrested.

The distinguished panel which, during the book launch, discussed various aspects of the 338-page novel, was made up of Prof. Guido de Marco, Prof. Peter Serracino Inglott, Prof. Malcolm Barber from Reading University, Dennis Dziena, chairman of the Malta International Art Fund (MIAF) and sponsor of the book, Malcolm Miller, and the author himself George G. Buttigieg. Dr Petra Bianchi chaired the panel.

The launch of Of Craft and Honour and a Templar’s Chronicles, which forms part of the prestigious Miller Collection, was jointly sponsored by MIAF and Miller Distributors Limited.

The important religio-philosophical issues this book raises, including the Da Vinci Code phenomenon which this book somehow challenges, were discussed by Rev. Prof. Serracino Inglott.

Another significant appreciation of the book was made by Prof. Barber, an Emeritus professor of history, who specialised in Templar Studies, medieval heresy and the Crusades. Among his more popularly known books one finds The Trial of the Templars (Cambridge UP, 1978, new ed, 2006).

Prof. Barber explained how Buttigieg’s Templars, in spite of their individual weaknesses, seem a different breed to the Da Vinci’s Templars, and he contrasted and compared the issues of philosophy and religion between the 14th century Templar Chronicles and the modern part of the book. To quote his words, “This book is not simply a detective novel, entertaining as that is, but it is also a vehicle for consideration of fundamental ethical and religious issues, neatly delineated by two interlocking stories set in very different periods of time.”

A present-day approach was taken by Prof. de Marco when he evaluated some of the principles which emanate from the book including tolerance and the elimination of prejudice both in the religious sphere as well as in international politics as exemplified by the Israeli-Palestinian situation which is also drawn into the book. He spoke of the clash of civilisations and explained that civilisations and cultures do not clash but are made to clash by individuals.

Mr Dziena, who after taking an immediate intense liking to the book sponsored its promotional campaign, spoke about Malta’s role in saving European culture in the two great sieges. Mr Dziena also explained the role of the Malta International Art Fund in spreading Maltese culture and art in the USA.

Mr Miller, CEO of Miller Distributors Limited, said that through Agenda outlets, the company is becoming more active in book publishing with a policy of giving exposure to new authors and subjects that highlight aspects of Malta or Maltese culture.

The author, George G Buttigieg, an obstetrician and gynaecologist by profession, described how writing for him was a form of catharsis where his imagination liberated him from life’s daily problems. He asked readers to delve deeper into the book as many religio-philosophical issues mentioned in the narratives deal with the raw reality of life. He also gave a brief description of the Templar’s history and its alleged metamorphosis into freemasonry and he evaluated this notion between the 16th and 19th century ending with the modern period.

Of Craft and Honour and a Templar’s Chronicles is available from all Agenda outlets and leading bookshops.