�����������

This is the fourth lecture in the National Library of Malta Public Lectures Series 2023-2024, ‘Knowledge in the Making: Towards an Intellectual History of Early Modern Malta’. The series is organised in collaboration with the UM Department of Philosophy.

Under the Order of St John, Malta, or rather, Valletta, inhabited by the “flower of European nobility”, lent itself well to the sharing of European ideas. Moreover, the Order’s vessels ensured continuous movement between the island and mainland Europe. In the 18th century, the French Knights made up two-thirds of the community; no wonder then that, not only the European Enlightenment did not pass unnoticed, but also Les Lumières left their mark on several French Knights as is evidenced by their writings. The various facets of life in Malta in the 18th century, political, social, philosophical, scientific and revolutionary are considered in the light of this great movement.

Prof. Carmen Depasquale, a former Head of the Department of French at the University of Malta, obtained her doctorate from Sorbonne University (Paris IV) with distinction. Her main areas of interest include works on French Knights of Malta, French travel literature on Malta and French writers of Maltese origin. She has authored books and numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals, read papers at conferences and given public lectures in Malta and abroad. She was awarded the distinction of Officier dans l’Ordre des Palmes académiques in recognition of her contribution towards French culture.

The National Library Public Lecture Series 2023-2024 is a collaboration between the National Library and the UM Department of Philosophy. The series is coordinated by Maroma Camilleri, Prof. Jean-Paul De Lucca and Mevrick Spiteri.

Free entrance. No booking required.

For more information, please send an email.