Francesco Balbi di Correggio (1505–1589)

The Folio edition is bound in exactly the same faux wood we wrapped our telly in to make it go faster. I must admit this was my sole reason for reading it. Turns out it’s a brilliant book. Really vivid and immediate. I feel like I know what being in a 16th Century siege would be like, all without standing up or getting my head blown off… or set on fire. I had no idea they had flame throwers back then.

It really does have everything. Appalling suffering, stunning bravery, and the show more unbelievable victory of the underdog against all odds.

Also very interesting as a snapshot of the Knights Hospitaller. You can forget any romantic image you have of them for their early days. By this point in time they’re what we would think of as a terrorist organisation. They have state backing from Spain but are surviving on piracy. Malta is a fortified rock where they keep their slaves.

The Folio has excellent maps, plans, and illustrations. Unless you know Malta well you’re going to need an edition with these as understanding the physical layout is critical to understanding the action. show less

Excellent read and as an insider’s point of view, it cannot be beat. The maps are a welcome addition. Really, the only negative is the plethora of names used by Balbi, yet tis worth noting that Ernle Bradford, edited out a large portion of them. It seems if the person was Spanish, he got named since Balbi was writing for a Spanish audience, the book was printed in Spain, and he was, indeed, Spanish. This book, along with Ernle Bradford’s and Bruce Allen’s combined to make for an show more awesome trilogy of the siege. Allen gives the best historical perspective, Bradford the best storytelling, and Balbi then he insider’s point of view. All were great reads! Finished 01.05.2020 in Malta during the plague. show less

A fascinating, very readible first person account by a participantin the Siege of Malta in 1565. Balbi was 60 years old when he enlisted as a mercenary to serve as an arquebusier at Malta.