The Siege of Malta

Written by a Spanish arquebusier who served in 1565, this is a day-by-day chronicle of the Ottoman siege of Malta. Balbi records the attacks on Fort St Elmo, the defense of Birgu and Senglea, the sorties of the Knights of St John under Grand Master Jean de Valette, and the arrival of a relief force from Sicily. He notes weather, casualties, ammunition, and the conduct of soldiers and slaves as the island's harbours are contested week after week. The book is an eyewitness military diary of one Mediterranean siege, not a general history of the Order.

Quarter bound in cream parchment, brown wood-veneer boards. Map endleaves printed white on green. Brown or dark blue slipcase.