My good friend, poet Carmel Bianchi of Qormi has just sent me his book of poems published lately to commemorate the 17th centenary from the martyrdom of the great St George of Lydda.

It was a real pleasure for me to read Chev. Bianchi's poems written out of love for this saint. It brought to my mind the booklet, San Gorg Martri, I wrote in 1971 in defence of the saint's existence. It was a real hit at the time because very few books were written on the subject and much has been said and written in the papers in favour and against this controversial saint!

The title of Chev. Bianchi's book says it all: Bukkett Ward Lil San Gorg (A bunch of roses for St George). This 114-page, well-bound book comprises other items about the saint too: the cult of the saint, history of the statue and the church of St George of Qormi, folklore and old traditions surrounding the saint, music and hymns composed by different well-known Maltese composers and so forth. It also includes all the activities held in Qormi for the occasion, various pictures and a message by the mayor of Qormi, Jesmond Aquilina.

I, for one, recommend this book not only to the people of Qormi and Victoria but to all those who are fond of Melitensia. It will surely enhance private and home libraries!