New book on history of printing in Malta

A fascinating book on printing in Malta by Guze' Gatt was yesterday launched by the Government Printing Press.

The book traces the history of printing during the time of the Knights of the Order of St John and offers insight into the censorship of the time. It may be ordered from the press on tel. 21 224466.

The Government Printing Press has also launched a limited edition of 250 copies of a publication comprising the first 50 issues of the Government Gazette, dating back to 1813/1814. In those days, the gazette was the only source of foreign news, and the issues include notification of Napoleon's exile from France, as well as other news from around the world.

The price for the limited edition is Lm10 for a hardbound copy and Lm5 for the paperback, press director Louis Fsadni said.

He said the press had put together an exhibition of various pieces of equipment used in printing, including the Wharfdale that was used by the printing press of the Daily Malta Chronicle during the riots of June 7, 1919.

The exhibition may be visited by appointment at the press in Marsa.

Mr Fsadni hopes to develop the exhibition into a museum on the subject.