Publishers Enterprises Group (PEG) Ltd of San Gwann has added a new history title to its extensive list of publications on the occasion of the 2006 Malta Book Fair.

Austrian Knights of Malta – Relations Malta-Austria 1530-1798 is the result of a combined effort by historians Robert L. Dauber and Michael Galea.

Among the Knights of the Order of St John that ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798, there was quite a large number who came from Austrian territories. Although they held important posts in diplomacy, naval and military forces and the government of Malta throughout the rule of the Order, the important roles played by the Austrian Knights have not yet been studied in sufficient depth. Their geographical and personal connections with the Austrian-Habsburg House and the German Emperors had a special significance for Malta.

In this respect, this is the first publication of its kind to deal entirely and extensively with this subject.

The book includes a comprehensive review of relations between Malta and Austria in diverse spheres of activity, as well as 10 detailed biographies that span the 268 years during which the Knights Hospitaller, a cosmopolitan and eminently European society, ruled the Maltese Archipelago.

Austrian Knights of Malta – Relations Malta-Austria 1530-1798 is available from all leading bookshops.

More information is available by telephoning PEG on 2144-0083 or 2144-8539 or by visiting the PEG Publications homepage: www.peg.com.mt