New Cassola book which explores the origins of Maltese migration to Corfu in the 18th century

The new book by Prof. Arnold Cassola, The Maltese in Corfu (1815-1831), has just been published by G&A Enterprises Ltd. This book investigates the first wave of Maltese migration to Corfu, and covers the period from 1815 to 1831.

The origins of Maltese migration to Corfu go back to the first half of the 19th century, following Sir Thomas Maitland's appointment as Governor of Malta in 1813. A couple of years later, in 1815, the Greek Ionian Islands were declared a British protectorate and, consequently, Maitland was appointed as Lord High Commissioner for the Ionian Islands.Till now, the year officially recognized as the one when the first Maltese settled in Corfu is 1819.

This is probably linked to the fact that in that year Thomas Maitland brought over from Malta a considerable number of workers to contribute to the building of the Palace of the Lord High Commissioner in Kerkyra.The surviving registers of the Catholic Diocese Archives at the bishopric in the old town of Kerkyra belie this dating, since the presence of hundreds of Maltese in Corfu has been documented since at least 1815.

One can now verify the links that a number of Maltese families, ranging from Abela to Vella, Cacopardo to Quattromani, have had with their counterparts in the Ionian island, a good number of whom are today still active in Corfu.

The book will be available from Agenda Bookshop outlets and at the Agenda Bookshop Stand at the National Book Festival in Ta' Qali, to be held from Wednesday 5 November till Sunday 9 November. The author will be signing copies at the book festival at the Agenda Bookshop stand on Friday 7 November, between 19:00 and 20:30.