SKU: 30714086249

Hannibal Scicluna St John's Co-Cathedral Valletta Signed Limited Edition Book

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Hannibal Scicluna St John's Co-Cathedral Valletta Signed Limited Edition BookThe Church of St. John in Valletta: Its History, Architecture and Monuments with a Brief History of the Order of St. John from its Inception to the Present Day (Signed Copy) An exceptional and museum quality signed limited edition of the definitive scholarly work on St. John's Co Cathedral in Valletta, Malta, authored by the distinguished Maltese architect and historian Hannibal P. Scicluna. This comprehensive volume represents the most authoritative

The Church of St. John in Valletta: Its History, Architecture and Monuments with a Brief History of the Order of St. John from its Inception to the Present Day (Signed Copy)

An exceptional and museum-quality signed limited edition of the definitive scholarly work on St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta, authored by the distinguished Maltese architect and historian Hannibal P. Scicluna. This comprehensive volume represents the most authoritative and detailed study of Malta's most important Baroque church, combining meticulous architectural analysis, historical research, and artistic documentation. The author's signature adds significant value and authenticity to this already rare scholarly work. For collectors of Melitensia, architectural history, or Knights of St. John studies, this signed limited edition represents an essential acquisition and exceptional investment opportunity.

Hannibal P. Scicluna - Distinguished Author

Hannibal P. Scicluna (1880-1981) stands as one of Malta's most distinguished architects, historians, and scholars of the 20th century. As a practicing architect, Scicluna contributed significantly to Malta's built environment while developing deep expertise in the island's architectural heritage. His scholarly work on St. John's Co-Cathedral represents decades of research, unprecedented access to the cathedral's archives, and intimate knowledge of the building's architecture, art, and history. Scicluna's combination of architectural training, historical scholarship, and passion for Malta's cultural heritage produced a work of enduring significance that remains the definitive reference on St. John's Co-Cathedral.

St. John's Co-Cathedral - Subject and Significance

St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta stands as one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture and art in Europe. Built between 1573-1578 for the Knights of St. John, the cathedral's austere exterior conceals an interior of breathtaking richness - gilded vaulted ceilings painted by Mattia Preti, elaborate marble floors covering the tombs of Knights, ornate chapels dedicated to different langues (national groups) of the Order, and spectacular altars. The cathedral represents the Knights' power, wealth, and devotion, while embodying the Baroque aesthetic's dramatic intensity. Scicluna's book provides comprehensive documentation and analysis of every aspect of this extraordinary monument.

Comprehensive Scholarly Content

This volume provides exhaustive coverage of St. John's Co-Cathedral including: detailed architectural analysis of the building's design, construction, and evolution; comprehensive documentation of the cathedral's extraordinary art collection including Mattia Preti's ceiling paintings and Caravaggio's masterpiece 'The Beheading of St. John the Baptist'; historical context of the cathedral's creation and role in Knights' Malta; detailed descriptions of each chapel and their distinctive decorative programs; documentation of the marble floor tombs and their heraldry; analysis of the cathedral's liturgical furnishings, vestments, and treasures; and scholarly apparatus including notes, bibliography, and index.

The Order of St. John - Historical Context

The book's subtitle indicates it includes 'a Brief History of the Order of St. John from its Inception to the Present Day,' providing essential context for understanding the cathedral. The Order of St. John (Knights Hospitaller), founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century, evolved from a hospital caring for pilgrims to a powerful military-religious order. After losing Rhodes to the Ottomans in 1522, the Order received Malta from Charles V in 1530, ruling the island until Napoleon's expulsion in 1798. The cathedral embodies the Order's history, values, and artistic patronage, making Scicluna's historical overview essential for full appreciation of the building.

Signed Limited Edition - Exceptional Value

This copy bears Hannibal Scicluna's signature, dramatically enhancing its value and desirability. Signed copies of scholarly works by distinguished authors are significantly rarer and more valuable than unsigned editions. The signature provides direct connection to the author, confirms authenticity, and transforms the book from reference work to collectible artifact. For serious collectors of Melitensia or architectural history, signed copies represent the most desirable acquisitions. The limited edition status further enhances rarity and investment value.

Architectural Documentation and Analysis

As a trained architect, Scicluna brings professional expertise to his analysis of St. John's Co-Cathedral's architecture. The book includes detailed architectural drawings, plans, elevations, and sections that document the building's design with precision. Scicluna's architectural analysis explains the cathedral's spatial organization, structural systems, proportional relationships, and design evolution. This architectural documentation makes the book invaluable for architects, architectural historians, and anyone seeking to understand the cathedral's design at a professional level.

Art Historical Significance

The book provides comprehensive documentation of St. John's Co-Cathedral's extraordinary art collection, including Mattia Preti's magnificent ceiling paintings depicting scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist, Caravaggio's 'The Beheading of St. John the Baptist' (one of the artist's largest and most important works), numerous altarpieces by Italian and Maltese masters, elaborate sculptural programs, and the cathedral's treasury of liturgical objects. Scicluna's art historical analysis and documentation make this book essential for understanding Baroque art in Malta and the Mediterranean.

Melitensia - Essential Reference

For collectors of Melitensia - materials relating to Malta's history, culture, and heritage - this book represents an essential acquisition. St. John's Co-Cathedral stands as Malta's most important cultural monument, and Scicluna's work remains the definitive scholarly reference. The book's comprehensive coverage, scholarly rigor, and the author's unparalleled expertise make it indispensable for anyone seriously interested in Maltese history, art, or architecture. A signed limited edition copy represents the most desirable form of this essential reference.

Knights of St. John Studies

This book is essential for scholars and enthusiasts of the Knights of St. John (Order of Malta). The cathedral embodies the Order's history, values, artistic patronage, and cultural significance. Scicluna's historical overview of the Order combined with detailed documentation of their most important church provides comprehensive resource for understanding the Knights' legacy. For collectors of materials relating to military-religious orders or crusader history, this book represents a crucial reference.

Illustrations and Documentation

The book features extensive illustrations including architectural drawings, historical photographs, art reproductions, and detailed documentation of the cathedral's decorative programs. These illustrations, many produced specifically for this publication, provide visual documentation that complements Scicluna's scholarly text. The quality and comprehensiveness of the illustrations make this book valuable both as scholarly reference and as visual documentation of one of Europe's most spectacular Baroque interiors.

Condition and Preservation

As a rare book, condition is paramount to value. This copy's condition should be assessed including binding integrity, page condition, illustration quality, and any marginalia or inscriptions beyond the author's signature. Proper storage in climate-controlled conditions away from direct sunlight is essential for preservation. Detailed condition reports available to serious collectors. Professional book conservation services can be recommended if needed.

Investment and Collecting Value

Signed limited editions of definitive scholarly works by distinguished authors represent solid investment opportunities in the rare book market. The combination of Scicluna's reputation, the book's status as definitive reference on St. John's Co-Cathedral, the signed limited edition status, and the enduring interest in Malta's cultural heritage creates strong appeal among collectors of Melitensia, architectural history, Knights of St. John materials, and rare books. As signed copies become increasingly scarce through institutional acquisition and private collections, values show consistent appreciation.

Scholarly and Research Value

Beyond its collectibility, this book retains significant scholarly and research value. Researchers, students, art historians, architects, and anyone studying St. John's Co-Cathedral, Baroque art and architecture, or the Knights of St. John rely on Scicluna's work as the foundational reference. The book's comprehensive documentation, scholarly apparatus, and authoritative analysis make it indispensable for serious research. Libraries, universities, and research institutions actively seek copies for their collections.

Cultural and Historical Significance

This book embodies Malta's commitment to documenting and preserving its extraordinary cultural heritage. Scicluna's scholarly work represents the highest standards of architectural and art historical research applied to Malta's most important monument. The book connects readers to Malta's golden age under the Knights, the Baroque era's artistic achievements, and the ongoing project of understanding and preserving cultural heritage. Owning this signed limited edition means possessing a significant piece of Maltese cultural scholarship.

Display and Presentation

This book deserves prominent placement in libraries, studies, or collections where its significance can be appreciated. Professional bookstands or display cases can showcase the book while protecting it. The signed limited edition status makes it suitable for display as well as reference use. Climate-controlled storage essential when not displayed. Handling with clean hands and appropriate care preserves condition and value.

Available for viewing by appointment at Artemisia Fine Arts & Antiques Ltd, Malta's premier gallery for rare Melitensia and scholarly works. We provide expert consultation, condition assessment, insurance valuation, and secure shipping with specialized rare book handlers. This signed limited edition represents an exceptional acquisition opportunity for serious collectors of Melitensia and architectural history. Serious inquiries from qualified collectors, institutions, and libraries welcome.

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SKU: 30714086249

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Isabelle
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 4
Interesting
Format: Kindle
This was a very captivating book once you got into it thoroughly. But the third person perspective was a bit hard to get used to. But as you got into it and followed the different characters, it was interesting and filled with intrigue, conflict and forbidden love. I can’t wait to read the next one and to complete the series.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2022
L
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Lisa B.
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
OUTSTANDING
Format: Kindle
This was very, very good. The world is vast and characters are complex. There is a good plot with a whole lot going on. This is well written. Good twists and turns and some heart breaking moments. You will love these characters, they have heart and loyalty. I am hoping that there will be several more books. We've yet to see anything from the Sea Court but only a mention of them here and there. The Wood Court was given a quick couple of scenes, and only as far as some warriors, we've yet to enter their court and the Shadow Court, I'm not sure if they will be a force for good or bad, but they definitely will play a much bigger role moving forward. This is primarily the Ice and Air Courts. Told in multiple views, which I loved, it gives you a chance to see things from different eyes. There's alot of political maneuvering and deception. I loved it and will pick up the next book as it becomes available. If you like The Fae and the courts, you should love this. I think the author has mucn in store for us.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2020
J
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Jessika
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 4
Definitely worth the read!
Format: Kindle
After taking a deep breath and taking in that wicked twist of an ending, I have finally composed myself. My first thought when I started this book was that I love Reyna's character. I was intrigued by her connection with her familiar and the Ruin that is plaguing her land. It came as no surprise that she took her sister's place in an attempt to protect her. When they reach the Air Court everything slows down. This is where it was iffy for me. First of all, I like multiple POV's in books however 7 is a bit much. It starts to interrupt the story line. I felt like I was finally making progress connecting with one character, then it was switched to another person. I felt they all had necessary or pertinent information but not necessarily were they all POV worthy. The only other thing that annoyed me was that Reyna constantly was " trapped." She would rush off without thinking, only to need rescuing. She is brilliant in a fight, but she really doesn't think through anything. Lorcan is amazing. I know he might be on the "bad" list, but his background is so interesting. Eislyn(Reyna's sister) is really so sweet, but calculating. I enjoyed her and Thane's dialogue. The author did an amazing job with the imagery in this book. Everything was so detailed it was easy to fall into the scene. I love unexpected twists and while part of the ending I expected, I wasn't expecting how it took place. All in all, I found it very entertaining and I am very invested in continuing this series. Favorite quotes: "The truth may be twisted but never false." "Who was she if she was not the enemy of the Air Court? What was her purpose of she no longer has that?" "In a war-torn land, love was always a lie."
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Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2020
K
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KAB
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Read!!! Great story!!!
Format: Kindle
The series is long, but Ms. Wolfhart does a fantastic job of weaving this tale while bringing so much to the characters. Surprises and plot twists along the way to keep you intrigued. There is some graphic sex, but is no way the focal point. Grammar was excellent (a rare find with a lot of self publishers) with only a few noted errors. I rarely give 4 stars, let alone 5.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2021
E
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Elisa
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 3
Sadly, DNF
Format: Kindle
I read this thru KU. I LOVED the synopsis. And then I began reading... and it was a DNF at 68% after picking it up and putting it down several times because I really loved the main female character. *****SPOILERS***** Pros: The world is unique, intriguing and fun. The primary female character is bad-a** but not a b*tech or a mary sue. The primary female has depth. I really want to know what happens to her even tho it's been weeks and I don't remember her name. The villains to the point I read are pretty good -- an ever present threat of mysterious and possibly many culprits. Cons: Way, way too many points of view. I stopped counting at 7. It's the prime reason why I don't care about most of the characters or remember their names even when I like them. There's just too many points of view so almost none of the characters have enough book space for the author to properly develop them. This literally killed the book for me. Actually it killed my desire to read. For weeks. The main male is more villain than hero. He agreed to marry the main female then locks her up & eschews her for her sister, all while bad mouthing her as unfit to rule when he never spent any time with her getting to know her. He is actually unfit to rule as he is blind to the woes of his own kingdom and starts off a peace mission to secure a ceasefire through marriage by murdering an inn full of people in her country for no real reason. Plus, he constantly makes promises he does not keep. And it's gross of him to pine for the sister behind the main female's back. ***** As much as I really wanted to see what happened to the main female character, it wasn't enough for me to keep trying to slog thru this book. There was a lot of potential here that just fell short. Hence, 3 stars.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2021

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