Malta Magnificent, written by Major Francis Gerard and first published in 1943, tells of the siege of Malta, one of the epic incidents in the world’s history. For two years, the Luftwaffe was hurled against the island day and night, but Malta and its people stood indomitable and unshaken throughout, and the “George Cross Island” held. A gripping account.
The indispensable account of the Ottoman Empire’s Siege of Malta from the author of Hannibal and Gibraltar. In the first half of the sixteenth century, the Ottoman Empire was thought to be invincible. Suleiman the Magnificent, the Ottoman sultan, had expanded his empire from western Asia to southeastern Europe and North Africa. To secure control of the Mediterranean between these territories and launch an offensive into western Europe, Suleiman needed the small but strategically crucial island of Malta. But Suleiman’s attempt to take the island from the Holy Roman Empire’s Knights of St. John would emerge as one of the most famous and brutal military defeats in history. Forty-two years earlier, Suleiman had been victorious against the Knights of St. John when he drove them out of their island fortress at Rhodes. Believing he would repeat this victory, the sultan sent an armada to Malta. When they captured Fort St. Elmo, the Ottoman forces ruthlessly took no prisoners. The Roman grand master La Vallette responded by having his Ottoman captives beheaded. Then the battle for Malta began in earnest: no quarter asked, none given. Ernle Bradford’s compelling and thoroughly researched account of the Great Siege of Malta recalls not just an epic battle, but a clash of civilizations unlike anything since the time of Alexander the Great. It is “a superior, readable treatment of an important but little-discussed epic from the Renaissance past . . . An astonishing tale” (Kirkus Reviews).
All known combat claims and lossesMany personal accounts and memories of the battleIllustrated with new and rarely seen photographs Brian Cull and Frederick Galea’s definitive Fighters over Malta: Gladiators and Hurricanes 1940-1942 is a highly-detailed account of the gallant band of RAF and Commonwealth pilots who flew in defence of Malta between June 1940 and April 1942, when help in the guise of Spitfires finally arrived. Most of the Hurricanes, which held this tiny outpost of the British Empire in the heart of Axis-dominated territory, had been flown from the decks of aircraft carriers or from bases in North Africa, while a handful of fighter pilots arrived by Sunderland flying boats or other aircraft in transit from the UK via Gibraltar. Many of these pilots were inexperienced and quickly paid the supreme price, particularly when Messerschmitt Bf 109 pilots of the elite 7/JG26 arrived in Sicily in early 1941, and later in the year when JG53 made their presence felt. Important personal diaries and journals have come to light, and these have been widely quoted to provide the atmospheric background and thoughts and hopes of Hurricane pilots who defended Malta. Not all diarists survived, but their impressions provide a fitting tribute to their courage, aspirations and fears. Much of the early period of the air defence of Malta is enhanced by the personal experiences of Flt Lt (then Sgt Plt) James Pickering AFC, who flew Hurricanes with 261 Squadron.
Neil McDonald has been fascinated by the exceptional history of Malta and Gozo for some years and leads tour groups around the islands' unique prehistoric and historic sites. The history section takes the reader on a journey from the formation of the islands' along the their timeline including the ancient temples, the Medieval Period, the Knights of St John the British and into the islands' independence. The second part of the book is a gazetteer and guide to over 30 of the ancient and prehistorical sites that are to be found throughout these beautiful Mediterranean islands, where the sun shines all year round.
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Mediterranean with "Discovering Malta: A Traveler's Guide." This comprehensive guidebook, written by seasoned traveler William Jones, offers a detailed and engaging exploration of Malta’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended stay, this guide is your ultimate companion to discovering the best that Malta has to offer. Dive into the enchanting world of Malta with meticulously crafted chapters that cover every corner of this island paradise. From the fortified city of Valletta to the serene beauty of Gozo, each chapter provides insightful information, practical tips, and captivating stories that bring Malta to life. Explore ancient megalithic temples, wander through charming fishing villages, and savor the diverse flavors of Maltese cuisine. Highlights of "Discovering Malta: A Traveler's Guide" include: Valletta: The Fortress City – Uncover the history and architectural marvels of Malta’s capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mdina: The Silent City – Stroll through the narrow streets of this medieval walled city and experience its timeless charm. The Three Cities – Delve into the rich heritage of Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua, the cradle of Maltese history. Gozo: The Island of Calypso – Discover the rugged beauty and tranquil atmosphere of Malta’s sister island. Maltese Cuisine – Embark on a gastronomic journey with traditional dishes and modern culinary delights. Festas and Celebrations – Experience the vibrant local festivals that showcase Malta’s unique cultural traditions. "Discovering Malta: A Traveler's Guide" also provides essential travel tips and resources, including advice on transportation, accommodation, local etiquette, and more. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, this guidebook is designed to help you make the most of your Maltese adventure. Richly illustrated with beautiful photographs and packed with practical information, this guide is perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. Let "Discovering Malta: A Traveler's Guide" be your trusted companion as you explore the captivating islands of Malta, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.
Transport is an essential element of tourism, providing the vital link between the tourist generating areas and destinations. Good accessibility, which is determined by the transport services provided, is a fundamental condition for the development of any tourist destination. Moreover the transport industry can be a major beneficiary of tourism because of the additional passenger demand that may be generated.Aviation is an increasingly important mode of transport for tourism markets. Whilst geography has meant that, in modern times, air travel has always been the dominant mode for long distance travel and much international tourism, moves towards deregulation, and in particular the emergence of the low cost carrier sector, have also increased aviation's significance for short and medium haul tourism trips. Thus, developments in aviation can have very major implications for many leisure and business tourism markets. However the characteristics and needs of leisure travellers are generally so very different from business travellers that this necessitates a separate consideration of these markets if a detailed understanding of the relationship with aviation is to be gained.In spite of the obvious closeness between the aviation and tourism industries, there are very few specialist texts on this subject. Most tourism focused books consider aviation as just one component of the tourism industry which needs to be discussed, whereas aviation specialist texts rarely concentrate on just leisure travel. In addition there is very little literature that gives a detailed appreciation of the complexities and potential conflicts associated with the development of coherent and effective aviation and tourism policies. Therefore it is the aim of this book to fill this important gap which exists with a comprehensive, in-depth study of the relationship between aviation and leisure travel.The book deals exclusively with issues related to the relationship between aviation and leisure travel. It does this with an analysis of the theoretical concepts relevant to the subject area combined with a detailed investigation of current practice within the aviation and tourism industries. Each chapter is illustrated with case study material that will reinforce the understanding of the issues that are being examined.
Through dangerous seas to life on besieged Malta, from war-torn Sicily to a love affair in post-war France, FRAYED LIFELINES grippingly relives pivotal WWII events and heartwarming episodes.
In the spring of 1565, a massive fleet of Ottoman ships descended on Malta, a small island centrally located between North Africa and Sicily, home and headquarters of the crusading Knights of St. John and their charismatic Grand Master, Jean de Valette. The Knights had been expelled from Rhodes by the Ottoman sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, and now stood as the last bastion against a Muslim invasion of Sicily, southern Italy, and beyond. The siege force of Turks, Arabs, and Barbary corsairs from across the Muslim world outnumbered the defenders of Malta many times over, and its arrival began a long hot summer of bloody combat, often hand to hand, embroiling knights and mercenaries, civilians and slaves, in a desperate struggle for this pivotal point in the Mediterranean. Bruce Ware Allen's The Great Siege of Malta describes the siege's geopolitical context, explains its strategies and tactics, and reveals how the all-too-human personalities of both Muslim and Christian leaders shaped the course of events. The siege of Malta was the Ottoman empire's high-water mark in the war between the Christian West and the Muslim East for control of the Mediterranean. Drawing on copious research and new source material, Allen stirringly recreates the two factions' heroism and chivalry, while simultaneously tracing the barbarism, severity, and indifference to suffering of sixteenth-century warfare. The Great Siege of Malta is a fresh, vivid retelling of one of the most famous battles of the early modern world - a battle whose echoes are still felt today.
