Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/97764
Title: Private book collections in eighteenth century Malta
Authors: D'Anastas, Noel (2000)
Keywords: Private libraries -- Malta
Libraries -- Malta -- History
Index librorum prohibitorum
Malta -- History -- Knights of Malta, 1530-1798
Books and reading -- Malta -- History -- 18th century
Issue Date: 2000
Citation: D'Anastas, N. (2000). Private book collections in eighteenth century Malta (Diploma long essay)
Abstract: This long essay attempts to assess the relationship between the reading habit and book collections in the eighteenth century Malta. The work is divided in five parts. The introduction delineates the development of libraries in Malta, while the first part analyses the concept of censorship and the perception of the controversial index of prohibited books. It also highlight the influences and results of reading and perusal of forbidden literature resulting in religious heresy and the expression of dangerous philosophy. The second part examines the cultural heritage bequeathed to Malta by the Knights of St John, particularly the founding of the first Biblioteca Pubblica, and the books it acquired namely the De Tencin and Portocarrero collections. This chapter discusses other major book collections formerly belonging to a number of institutions as well as those pertaining to individual members of the Order. The history of Maltese ecclesiastical libraries, particularly the well shelved libraries of the most educated Maltese personalities - the clergy, religious orders, dignitaries of the Cathedral and agents of the church - is documented in chapter three. Another aspect of this chapter focuses on how books were brought to Malta and how the circulation and perusal of devotional literature reflect the trend of the progress. The last chapter deals with the reading habits and book collections of the Maltese nobility, professions, foreigners and the "common man". This study overlooks how learning, culture, power and glory dominated the fulcrum of the Maltese high society, as well as brings out how collections had built and moved from one family to another. There are three appendices. The first regards the ten rules concerning prohibited books drawn up by the Fathers chosen by the Council of Trent, while the second and third appendices consist of two inventories of books pertained by Mgr. Paolo Alpheran de Bussan, bishop of Malta and the Cleric Nicola Debono from Zebbug respectively. A bibliography with all the works consulted concludes the work. As a result of this study, for the first time, a large number of book collectors and their collections have been brought to light.
Description: DIP.L.I.S.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/97764
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacMKS - 1988-2012
Dissertations - FacMKSLIAS - 1988-2011

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