The Maltese Islands from the Air

The first edition of "The Maltese Islands from the Air" was published by professional photographer Jonathan Beacom in 1994 and reprinted in 1995. His first book, "Malta" the Hidden Charms" was published in 1991 and since then he has sought to illustrate Malta from the unique aerial perspective and in this he has been particularly successful.

This new edition, published in late 2003, is in a larger format than the first, being 250mm x 350 mm and of 160 pages packed with full-colour images. Like the first edition, it is introduced and captioned by Geoffrey Aquilina Ross, a Maltese journalist, editor, newspaper columnist and travel writer.

Divided into sections, with a key map showing all major locations and the aerial journeys around the island, the book illustrates the three largest Maltese islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino in a way that can only come from a dedicated photographer expressing a love for his island home.

We are first "Introduced to the Maltese Islands" and then "The Journey Begins" on page 22. Following sections include "Valletta"; the "Grand Harbour"; "Marsamxett Harbour"; "Sliema and St Julian's"; "St Paul's Bay and Mellieha"; "Comino - Romantic and Rugged"; "Gozo - Island of Charm"; "The Journey Continues - The Western Coast"; "Mdina - Walled City"; "Mnajdra and Hagar Qim". Finally, we are presented with Luqa, Malta International Airport, "Where Journeys Begin" - or end..

Archaeologists and historians scanning these pages will delight in the stunning images of the c.5,500 year-old prehistoric temples of Ggantija on Gozo, Mnajdra and Hagar Qim on Malta whilst the images of Valletta and Mdina are breathtakingly beautiful.

There are few who are priviledged to share, first-hand, the excitement of aerial views of such majesty but here readers can explore, with wonder, the unique prehistory of this island; the fortress city of Valletta, built by the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem after the Great Siege of 1565; the narrow streets of Mdina, the "Silent City" and ancient capital of Malta; the historic landscapes, topography and industry of these islands - all through the aerial camera of Jonathan Beacom.

Tourists, the primary market for this book - will explore its pages for places to stay or visit, or take it away as a momento of Malta and Gozo, and a reminder of the hotels, resorts, villages and the great Baroque Churches that grace the island landscape. Those who are contemplating visiting Malta could not find a better introduction to the undoubted charms of this beautiful Mediteranean island.

The aerial photography for the 1994 edition was taken using 35mm equipment but this new work has been photographed using a Pentax 6x7 Medium Format camera and the quality shows in the breathtaking clarity of the stunning images presented.

From the profusion of copies seen in book-shops and tourist outlets on the island during a recent holiday to Malta, this new edition of "The Maltese Islands from the Air" has already achieved outstanding success. Availability in the United Kingdom will only serve to make more people aware of the stunning beauty of the Maltese landscapes.

Congratulations Jonathan Beacom! You have truly captured and celebrated the natural beauty and uniqueness of your island home.

The Maltese Islands from the Air

J. Beacom, A. Ross

Reader Reviews:

Splendid Second Edition of The Maltese Islands from the Air (4/4 people found this helpful)

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