On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Albert M. Cassola’s death, his only son, Professor Arnold Cassola, donated to the University of Malta Library his father’s papers. These consist mainly in newspapers cuttings from 1929 onwards, the publications Europe-wide authored by Albert M. Cassola and various handwritten or typewritten texts.
Albert M. Cassola was born in 1915 and died in 1974. Next year will be the 100th anniversary of his birth. Cassola was a playwright, novelist, poet, translator and the writer of many song lyrics as well. His songs are still broadcast today.
His works have been published in various languages. He was awarded the “Cavaliere Ufficiale al merito della Repubblica Italiana” by the Italian President Giuseppe Saragat. For many years he was a teacher of Italian and Maltese at The Lyceum, Hamrun, and he is remembered by many of his former students as a ‘true gentleman.’
A bust of Albert M. Cassola, the work of Chev. Emanuel Borg Gauci, sculpted in 1947, was also donated to the University.
During the event, Dr Bernard Micallef spoke about the Department of Maltese. In his address, Professor Oliver Friggieri described Albert M. Cassola the writer, while Professor Arnold Cassola spoke about his father Albert M. Cassola, the person. Mr Kevin Ellul, Director of Library Services, thanked Professor Cassola for the important donation to the University Library.