Personal items belonging to Maltese poet and author Ġużè Chetcuti, including more than 10,000 books, will go under the hammer later this month.

The auction, which is handled by Eleno Mamo, will take place at the Sliema flat in Għar il-Lembi Street where the late author lived for many years.

Mr Mamo said the auction was of particular interest to the public because it gave them the opportunity to own some of Mr Chetcuti’s belongings including handwritten manuscripts, photographs, his three typewriters and books.

There is also a thick handwritten book with faded brown script dating back to the 1650s and documenting a court case against the Curia.

Mr Chetcuti, who died in 2006 aged 91, was also actively involved in the Akkademja tal-Malti and a life member of the Association of Maltese Poets. In 1996, he was awarded the National Order of Merit and the medal will also be up for sale in the auction.

His huge collection include Maltese books and poems, most of which are signed and also bearing personal notes addressed to Mr Chetcuti.

Another highlight of the auction is two large portraits of Mr Chetcuti and his wife by renowned Maltese artist Esprit Barthet.

The items going under the hammer are split into 2,000 lots and include antique china, paintings and furniture.

They can be viewed at Mr Chetcuti’s residence – 8/10 Għar il-Lembi Street, Sliema – between Friday and May 25 from 9am to noon and 3pm to 6pm.

On the day of the auction, May 25, viewing will be from 9am to noon.

For more information visit http://elenomamoauction.webs.com .