La course maltaise dans une 'litterature francaise' de Malte du 18e siecle

Abstract

Numerous French manuscripts and prints related to the political, economic, social and cultural life of the Knights of Malta are preserved in the National Library of Malta. The authors of these works are often French knights who were driven by their sense of duty to the Order or who were forced to write reports. These works have left a literary heritage which helps us evaluate better the lives of the celibates. 'La Fleur de la noblesse', 'des cadets de famille des meilleures maisons' and 'rocher de vingt lieues de circonférence'. One can divide these works into three categories to better understand the Maltese race. First, official relations were presented to the Grand Master and the Council, which were then registered in Chancery; second, works written in order to teach or provide information to the Knights or their parents and, thirdly, the stories of caravanists themselves who were not destined to an "official" reading, as well as those of travelers who provide an outside view of the race by visitors who had no connection with the Order of Malta. It is this third category that interests us particularly because on the one hand, it highlights the known facts, on the other, it addresses aspects of offshore campaigns rarely reported in official matters or that were absent. This article deals with the Mediterranean race in 18th century.