For those with a penchant for the mysterious and unknown, this magnum opus by Dr Mario Buhagiar is a veritable treasure trove. Although we are replete with historical information about the Knights and the centuries after them, the years before 1530 appear to be shrouded in mystery as we cling to a few scraps of evidence that have survived over the centuries.

Dr Buhagiar’s book, however, changes all that. In his clear-cut and methodical fashion, he proceeds to dissect and analyse the various structures, mostly chapels and churches, that have contributed to the now vanished architectural styles of the late mediaeval age.

The opening chapter takes us to the early Christian area with some interesting studies of catacombs that are unaccountably closed to the public such as those at L-Abbatija tad-Dejr. I particularly enjoyed the third chapter, that deals with cave dwellings, and there is particular detail about the stone-corbelled hut or girna, with some excellently reproduced photographic examples. The famous

settlements of Is-Simblija and Ghar il-Kbir on the outskirts of Dingli are also covered in detail.

Understandably, the churches at Bir Miftuh, Hal Millieri and the rock cut examples such as St Michael Tas-Sancier in Rabat receive detailed attention and this is more than welcome. There is also an interesting chapter on late mediaeval townhouses, with examples in Mdina, most notably the splendid Palazzo Falson.

Mdina Cathedral is accorded a separate chapter, while the book also gives details about the numerous convents and religious orders that existed in Malta before the time of the Knights.

All in all, this is a book that deserves detailed and analytical study and it is definitely essential reading for all those who have our lost history at heart.