[Book Review] The girna : the Maltese corbelled stone hut by Michael Fsadni

Abstract

Primitive forms of human shelter have rarely attracted the attention of architectural historians. This lack of scholarly interest can be attributed to a variety of factors, ranging from primitive structures' untutored aesthetic pedigree, to their use of the most humble and rudimentary building materials and construction processes, to their mundane function in an agrarian society. For the academic working within the realm of Mediterranean archaeology, material culture, and traditional dwellings, however, this monograph by Michael Fsadni provides a rare and insightful case study of a type of primitive stone structure. Its rich documentation of the Maltese girna through black and white prints and occasional color inserts captures well both the building type and the quality of the landscape. The text is lucid and unencumbered by technical jargon, making it very accessible to foreign readers unfamiliar with local terms.