Following the success of Nostalgias of Malta, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti has now launched Nostalgias of Gozo, Images from the 1880's to the 1930's.

This unique collection of photographic records of Gozo's past has once again been edited by the indefatigable Giovanni Bonello, a key contributor to both Patrimonju publications as well as Treasures of Malta, Malta's premier cultural magazine.

The book was launched on Saturday at the Conference Hall within the Ministry for Gozo. The guest speaker was Mr Franco Masini, the well known Gozitan personality. Also present was the Hon Minister Giovanna Debono, Patrimonju's most prolific author Judge Giovanni Bonello, as well as Mr. Maurice de Giorgio, Chairman of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti.

This latest work firmly puts the spotlight on Gozo, Malta's sister and equally beautiful island which too has changed dramatically since the years when these pictorial records were taken. This book also confirms the variety in Patrimonju's output, from prestigious exhibitions to the opening of the unique Palazzo Falson in Mdina, from original articles in Treasures of Malta to its publications covering a very wide range of topics.

Mr Franco Masini highlighted the important artistic contribution which has always emanated from Gozo and the Gozitans themselves, as well as the beauty that is revealed in the photographic scenes of the past. The Chairman of Patrimonju thanked the author for focusing his meticulous research so deservedly on Gozo and the photographic memories which are now recorded for the interest of future generations.

The author himself, Giovanni Bonello spoke with great warmth about the very human inspiration behind this important piece of research. The photographer himself , Mastru Badiku, a man who had already retired on pension when the author first met him, a professional in every way, in love with his art which has now been collected for us all to enjoy. Important too that these photographers witnessed for us all "the great socio, political upheavals of the time, to know quite well what life was like in the thirties in that island. Mastru Badiku was also a scientist, whose interest in photography emanated from his work in science and then went on to set up Gozo's first photographic studio."

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono concluded by paying tribute to the work involved in putting this collection together and thanked Patrimonju for bringing Gozo's specific cultural contribution to the public's attention. Nostalgias of Gozo is a fascinating book for us all, Gozitans and Maltese, " she said.

Nostalgias of Gozo retails at all leading bookstores in Gozo and Malta for the price of Lm19.50 (€45.40) for the hard bound version and..Lm14.50 (€33.75) for the limp bound version.