The scoglio ingrato : archaeology, history, and Mazzinian beliefs in Malta through the views of Franesco Crispi

Abstract

My interest in the life and works of Francesco Crispi (1819-1901) dates back to the early 1990s, when on winning a scholarship from the Italian Government, I went to Rome for one year to study at the University of La Sapienza. The course chosen for my studies was related to the History of the Italian Risorgimento. Italy was then at the centre of political turmoil, under direct fire from'the Mani Pulite investigation: the magistrates' inquiry on political corruption. The character chosen for this study was himself, during different moments of his career, at loggerheads with the police, the judicial system and the political establishment. Francesco Crispi was one of those Italian politicians who in his early days suffered arrests and exile for his liberal stand and once Italy was united, he became also the subject of impeachment.