https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3160 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:21:36 GMT 2026-06-17T05:21:36Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147426 Title: Victory kitchens in life and in art Abstract: Giovanni Bonello explores the history and cultural impact of Malta's World War II Victory Kitchens established in 1942 to combat severe wartime famine. The article examines the stark socio-economic realities of rationing, black market corruption, and civil unrest, while detailing how the kitchens were depicted in local satirical jingles and wartime artwork by artists Leslie Cole and Alfred Gerada. Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147426 2025-03-16T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147418 Title: Three village revolts in 1636, 1637 and 1641 Abstract: Giovanni Bonello reviews hidden archival evidence of rare, widespread popular unrest in 17th-century Maltese villages. Spurred by a severe famine in 1636 and an aggressive fortifications tax in 1637 tied to Pietro Paolo Floriani's massive building plans, the article highlights the violent riots that ensued, the subsequent Treasury investigation led by senior knights, and the prompt suppression of the ringleaders by Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris. Sun, 21 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147418 2025-09-21T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147416 Title: The Verdalle Knights of Malta : fame and infamy Abstract: Giovanni Bonello examines the tumultuous 12-year reign of Hugues Loubenx de Verdalle, the only Grand Master of the Order of St John to rule Malta as a cardinal. The article highlights his early criminal and heresy charges, his bitter heraldic feud with the Roman Colonna family that inspired the infamous defecating wolf monument in Valletta, and the rampant indiscipline, sexual crimes, and internal scandals among the knights that marked his administration. Sun, 06 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147416 2025-07-06T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147415 Title: The amazing story of the first Innu Malti, 1901 Abstract: Giovanni Bonello uncovers the history of Malta's forgotten first national anthem, composed in late 1901 during a period of intense anti-colonial sentiment. The article details how the British imperial authorities, led by Gerald Strickland and Governor Francis Grenfell, banned a scheduled premiere at the Royal Opera House in January 1902 under the guise of public order. It also examines the landmark constitutional lawsuit overseen by Judge Paolo Debono following the closure of the theatre. Sun, 18 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147415 2021-04-18T00:00:00Z