The nobles of Malta as at present existing

Abstract

Preface To the Second Edition.

The fact that the first edition of this work was exhausted within two months of its publication, cannot but be considered as a flattering testimony of its utility .

As stated in the former edition, a work of the kind forms a useful memorandum for the Nobles themselves, serves as a guide for those who wish to know who the real Nobles are, and should prevent persons from using titles to which they have no claim .

At present, we are only twenty-eight "Titolati," or titled persons recognized by Government (a). Our titles are tenable ONLY by the eldest maledesGendant of the person ennobled. The other members of the family, presumptive heirs excepted, are only to be addressed as Mr., and if they attempt to pass off with a title, should be looked upon as usurpers.

The designation of dei marchesi, dei conti or dei baroni, is to show that the person who makes use of it claims to belong to the family to whose title it refers. For instance: I, who am the eldest male descendant (b) of the first Marquis of St.-George, am the only Barbaro who has a right to use the title (c); my eldest son is the only individual who may style himself Marchesino (d); and my other sons, as well as the other members of my family, may use the designation of dei marchesi to show that they are descendants of a, Marquis (e); but they have no right whatever to style themselves or be addressed as Marquis or Marchesino : and this, of course, applies to the remaining twenty-seven Titolati and their families... [Excerpt]