Book review : Maltese self-governance through a historical lens

Abstract

What is there still to know about Malta’s first self-government? The British government in Malta was authoritative, driven exclusively by imperial defence needs; the Maltese politicians had to work against all odds for political recognition and the growth of democracy. Self-government, when it came in 1921, was the first hallmark of progress in a long constitutional struggle. The British must bear the brunt of imperial guilt for taking so long to grant it and then revoking it so quickly; the Maltese should revel in the pride of their gains despite their falls.