A new publication entitled ‘Ships, Wines and Wars,’ by author, John G. Dacoutros, puts together into this publication a diary of events of his forefathers and other families, very faithful to its title. It is an account of turbulent wartime periods in the histories of Greece and Malta at the same time and how it affected families and businesses in Malta.

These blend with the family’s International shipping and wine business, their Greek and Maltese Cultures and their varied other businesses around the Mediterranean and beyond, that the family once settled into.

It also describes the protagonist Giovanni Dacoutros, Malta’s largest ship owner and largest wine importer ever and one of Malta’s top philanthropist of his times. The author brings into this saga a remembrance of his family’s Greco-Maltese diaspora, as well as tragedies, successes and triumphs and the life of the thousands of workers employed by Giovanni, such as Captains, crews, engineers, coopers and distributors.

It all originated from the diaries of Giovanni’s children, Peter and Margaret. Some had been destroyed in the October 1979 ‘Times of Malta Black Monday’ fire. Other details were preserved in Peter’s Diary, together with a number of family photo albums and some of Giovanni Muscat, owner of the “Daily Malta Chronicle” newspaper since 1874, as well as those of his daughter Glades and her husband Judge Edourdo Magri.

Besides shipping, the author also describes Malta’s tobacco industry, the many local brewing and drinks industries in Malta, and a variety of other industries that the family was also involved.

Some views by critics are, ” I never knew such stories happened; he was an amazing man for his days.” Others who knew him said: “Born in the dust of Santorini, his many poor customers still managed to enjoy his wine – he was obsessed wanting to sell good wine to the poor people of his time..” One yacht owner said: ” I never knew anyone in Malta who had 21 ships in his lifetime; It is a joy to read about every one of them. Prosit and well illustrated.”

The book, which costs €80.00, is hard bound with 288 pages and 473 illustrations. It is available at most bookshops in Malta and Gozo.

For more details please email:- john@dacoutros.com.mt

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