Umberto Adinolfi : a 'Maltese' postcard publisher

Abstract

The name Umberto Adinolfi rings familiar with many Italians. He was probably the most infamous camorrista on the run from justice in recent times. When captured in a hideout in Spain a couple of years ago, the media made a meal of the event. Finally the bloodstained criminal would be required to pay his dues. Less well known, in fact not known at all was another Umberto Adinolfi, from Senglea, some of whose postcards describe as a photographer and publisher. His signed output seems to be quite small, but I suspect him to be the- unnamed- publisher of other sets of popular cards. The historian of early Maltese photography did not know of him and fails to provide any information, or even mention him at all in her authoritative book. I too know virtually nothing about him, except what can be culled from his published work. This lack of knowledge no way diminishes the value of this remarkable postcard editor. [excerpt]