The historical development of the press laws in Malta

Abstract

The art of printing was first introduced into Malta in 1643 through the efforts of Pompeo de Fore, a member of the Oder of St. John of Jerusalem. In a petition to Gran Master Lascarie he sought, in recognition of 'le sue grandissime fatthe e spene' to set up a printing-press,exclusive printing rights for himself and his successors in the Island. Although the Grand Master's Bull gathering de Fiore his request was not couched in terms as general as the petitioner would have wiehed, "come introduttore di tale professione," Lascarid did give him the right to set up and operate a printing-press for twenty years as from 17th June 1642. This concession, de Fiore was also empowered to pass on to his successors during the said period.