Godfrey Wettinger (December 22, 1929 – May 22, 2015) was a Maltese historian. He is known for his discovery, together with Fr. Mikiel Fsadni, of Il-Kantilena, a document that is widely considered to be the oldest work of Maltese literature.[1]

Biography

Wettinger was born on 22 December 1929 in Mosta. His father, the headmaster of schools in Mellieħa and Għargħur died from cancer during Wettinger's childhood.[2] Following his father's death, he was raised in Mellieħa by his mother and attended the Lyceum in Ħamrun as a student.[2] He later studied history by correspondence at London University,[3] where he graduated with a BA in History in 1953, MA in 1965 and PhD in 1971.[4][3] Wettinger remained a bachelor throughout his life[5] and died on 22 May 2015 at the age of 85.[6] He was awarded the National Order of Merit in 1996.[1]

Career

Wettinger started lecturing at the University of Malta in 1972 and held various posts at the university throughout his career, including Head of the Department of History and Dean of the Faculty of Arts.[4] He also held various terms as the President of the Malta Historical Society (1984-1986, 1989-1992, 1997-1999, 2003-2005)[7] and was a founding member and editor of Melita Historica, the society's official journal.[1][8] In 2014, Wettinger was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award for his contribution to literature during the National Book Prize, held by Malta's National Book Council.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Historian Godfrey Wettinger passes away". Times of Malta. 22 May 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  2. ^ a b Mercieca, Simon (29 May 2015). "Godfrey Wettinger – a memory". The Malta Independent. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  3. ^ a b Camilleri, Mark (25 May 2015). "Malta's greatest historian ever". Malta Today. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  4. ^ a b "Godfrey Wettinger - biography" (PDF). University of Malta. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  5. ^ Dalli, Kim (23 May 2015). "Godfrey Wettinger dies at 85". Times of Malta. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  6. ^ Vella, Matthew (22 May 2015). "Historian Godfrey Wettinger dead at 85". Malta Today. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  7. ^ "Presidents of the Malta Historical Society". Malta Historical Society. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  8. ^ Bovingdon, Roderick (July 2016). "Mastru Karm Debono's little known works of art in Attard" (PDF). Vigilo (47). Din l-Art Ħelwa: 51.
  9. ^ "The History of the National Book Prize". National Book Council. 5 August 2016. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
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