Gozo library to host talk on Malta’s maritime past

History and food enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore Malta’s maritime and culinary heritage during an illustrated talk by historian and author Liam Gauci at the Gozo Central Public Library.

The free event, titled A Taste of Maltese History, will take place on Wednesday 7 October from 10:30am to 11:30am at the library in St Francis Square, Victoria.

Gauci, a Maltese maritime historian and author whose research draws extensively on historical archives, will discuss aspects of Malta’s seafaring past, including the world of Maltese corsairs and the connections between food, war, trade and life at sea.

The talk, which will be delivered in English, will also feature selected readings from Gauci’s published works, including writings on love letters from Malta.

Gauci’s research has helped shed light on the lives of Maltese corsairs – sailors who operated under letters of marque – and their place within the wider Mediterranean world of empire, commerce and survival.

His latest book, Morte o Fortuna: Corsairs in Malta 1747–1798, published by BDL Books in 2024, builds on his earlier acclaimed study ‘In the Name of the Prince’ and further examines Malta’s corsairing tradition and naval trade during the 18th century.

The event is being organised as part of the activities of Book Club Gozo, with the support of Heritage Malta and Malta Libraries.

Attendance is free, but advance reservations are encouraged. Those wishing to reserve a seat can email eventsgozo.library@gov.mt.