Towards a bibliographical understanding : the Maltese printed product 1642-1839

Abstract

Within the overall context of a nation's cultural heritage, due importance should be given to the literary patrimony inherited from the past. This has traditionally often been subjected to low priority at the decision-making level as to how to utilise the limited resources assigned to historical preservation in small states.· Such an attitude has probably been a direct result of misconceptions as to what constitutes cultural heritage, with the term being reserved for the more monumental or otherwise visually appealing masterpieces from the past.