A book that tells the story of the Scicluna family, leading bankers and business entrepreneurs in Malta, has just been put on the market by the Farsons Foundation.

Penned by John Micallef, The Scicluna Saga 1772-2008 started to unfold when Paolo Scicluna married a girl called Grazia. They had a son, Giuseppe, who married Maria Cardona in 1807. He became a wealthy banker and they had three boys - the genesis of the Scicluna saga and dynasty had begun.

The first-born, Michele Angelo joined the priesthood, while Gio Battista and Emmanuele followed in their father's footsteps and became even wealthier.

Emmanuele became a Papal Marquis, the first Marquis Scicluna, and uncle to the second Marquis, Giuseppe Scicluna (1855-1907).

The book commemorates the centenary of the death of the second Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna (1855-1907) and coincides with the 200 years since the marriage of Giuseppe Scicluna to Maria Cardona in 1807.

Mr Micallef, a freelance writer of short stories - some of which were broadcast on BBC - video scripts, corporate profiles and a series of annual reports for the Farsons Group of Companies, started his career at BPC International.

He went to St Edward's College followed by the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, where he received his commission to serve in the Royal Malta Artillery.

Established in 1995, the Farsons Foundation supports research and publication of studies on Maltese culture, heritage and history. The book is published by the foundation and printed by Progress Press. It is available at leading booksellers.