The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta known as the Knights of St. John, or the Knights of Malta, is the oldest order of chivalry in existence, dating back to the eleventh century. The Knights of St. John came to Malta in 1530 after accepting the offer made to them by Charles V. They brought with them an international body of men from Catholic Europe with a strong tradition in government, accompanied by a sound source of income and a wealth of experience in architecture. For a large number of years Malta flourished under the rule of the Knights of St. John and it is on the Maltese islands that the Knights have left their most notable legacy reflected in the beautiful architecture of the palaces in Valletta and in Birgu, and Forts of St. Angelo, St. Elmo, Ricasoli, Manoel and Tigne; and a number of churches, most notably St. John's Conventual Church. Two of Miranda Publishers' books Legacy in Stone and Sovereign Palaces give a pictorial review of the heritage left by the Knights of St. John.

The Sovereign Palaces of Malta Three buildings from which authority has emerged to rule the islands of Malta survive today still dressed in their state paraphernalia. They are the Magisterial Palace of the Knights of Malta in Valletta, the Palace of Sant' Antonio in Casal Attard and the Castello of Verdala in the Boschetto lying within the western limits of Rabat.

When dealing with

these three principal palaces which are still active in their original roles today, the book delves into as much detail as possible. It does not attempt to reassess the architectural importance of the buildings, nor does it take on the task of becoming an inventory of the contents. There is less in the text about architecture (this is copiously illustrated) and more about people who occupied the premises.

The author has been fortunate in finding previously unpublished manuscripts which will focus new light on Malta's past rulers and their flamboyant lifestyle within their idyllic and idealised abodes. He has looked at the palace inhabitants both meek and humble as well as those notable and superior: from servant or slave to sovereign Grand Master; from gardener to Governor, and from Palace guide to President of the Republic.

The 340 pages of this hardbound book include more than 200 colour photographs!

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