Allied Publications' latest product is a visual rendering of the late Prof. Guido de Marco's autobiography, The Politics of Persuasion.
Readers of his memoirs will easily recognise the passion with which he personally reads out selected excerpts, a passion which runs through the same book and one which this departed gentleman felt for everything he undertook in his life – from his studies, to his family, his political calling, and his mentoring of students at university.
Prof. de Marco rose from humble beginnings to become a renowned criminal lawyer, professor, and a highly respected politician and world statesman. He was instrumental in preserving Malta's democracy and his policy of persuasion brought about Malta's accession to the European Union in 2004.
The DVD project was in the works for over three years, with Prof. de Marco regularly attending recording sessions at Studio 7's facilities while a researcher worked on compiling the necessary backing documentation from a multitude of sources, be it photographs, original documents or video footage, all of which animate the story all the more. Prof. de Marco finished the taping of his memoirs just months prior to his passing way, leaving behind a priceless legacy to the Maltese people.
In truth, some of the photos and footage which can be seen tell the story of Malta through the past century, moments of which are surely indelibly imprinted in the minds of many a Maltese, from the gaining of Malta's Independence in 1964 to Malta's accession into the European Union. Naturally, the DVD also documents moments of Prof. de Marco's life which were very dear to him, from the birth of his children, to his meeting with Kuwaiti officials while he was President of the United Nations General Assembly. Amidst the political victories, we can also witness very unique personal photos and home footage, a rare glimpse into the private life of one of Malta's leading statesmen.
The DVD is for sale at €12 and can be purchased from Word for Word bookshop in Valletta or online by clicking here. For more information, please write to Paula Zahra on pzahra@timesofmalta.com or call 25594165. Excerpts from the DVD can be seen above.