Maltese in Spain during the Napoleonic age

Abstract

The pioneer work carried out by Mr Antonio Farrugia and Mr Carmelo Vassallo on the 18th century Maltese colonies in Spain, has yielded remarkable dividends. Various scholars picked up those leads, and our knowledge of the Maltese settlements in Spain during the latter part of the 18th century and the early 19th century has now started reaching a substantial consistency. When one considers that up to ten years ago virtually nothing was known on the subject, the progress registered in such a small span of time is truly remarkable. The important Colloquy held at the Aula Magna of the Valletta University in May 1990 on various aspects of Spanish-Maltese history, which unfortunately I had to miss owing to a commitment abroad, is said to have raised the level of scholarship and research to even higher ·professional levels. I have not seen the papers delivered at that Colloquy and await their publication with some impatience. [excerpt]