L-Għaqda tal-Malti – Università will be launching its 33rd issue of Leħen il-Malti during the National Book Festival. Leħen il-Malti is the official journal of the Għaqda, and has been published since 1931, the year the Għaqda was set up. The launching will take place on the 16th of November, at 7:30pm in Sir Temi Zammit Hall (at the MCC, Valletta), and is open for the general public. Entrance is free.

Once again, the Editorial Board is presenting a compilation of original writings, studies of a linguistic nature, and others of a critical kind. This compilation represents budding and established writers, featuring the beginning of an unedited novel by Ġużè Aquilina, which will appear for the first time.

The General Editor of this issue is Emanuel Psaila, the ex-President of the Għaqda, whilst the Board members were: Josette Attard, Kit Azzopardi, Daniela Baldacchino, Daniel Bezzina, Keith Borg, Dwayen Ellul, Victor Fenech, and Alvin Vassallo. The Board would like to thank all those who were instrumental in the making of this issue.

During the launch there will be readings of excerpts by the Bakkanti Troupe made up of the following actors: Alison Abela, Louise Fenech, Gilbert Formosa, Mandy Mifsud, Olivia-Ann Marmarà, David Scicluna Giusti, and Aldo Zammit, and music will be performed by violinist Doriana Vella. During the launch, the call for submissions for the following issue of Leħen il-Malti will be announced (no. 34).

After the event, drinks will follow. Contributors and members of the Għaqda can collect their copy during the Festival, as well as after the event.
The selected writings for this issue are by: Antoine Cassar, Charlò Camilleri, Rita Saliba, Patrick Sammut, Dorianne Bonello, Charles Bezzina, Mary Chetcuti, Clifford Jo żahra, Beverly Agius, Mark Vella, Leanne Ellul, Matthew Schembri, Andrea Cassar, John A. Bonello, Lina Brockdorff, Simone Inguanez, Nadia Mifsud, Celine Agius, Alex Vella Gera, Joseph Formosa, Chardian Camilleri, Maurice Mifsud Bonnici, Trevor Żahra, Theresa Abdilla, Sergio Grech, Ġorġ Borg, Carmel G. Cauchi, Keith Attard, Michael Spagnol, Olivia Borg, Charles Briffa, Stephen Bonanno, Oliver Friggieri and Joe Felice Pace. The Għaqda also delivers thanks to the following proof readers: Dwayne Ellul, Carlston Grima, Louise Spiteri, Mario Sant, Michael Cini, and Claudia Gauci.

The Għaqda would also like to thank the National Book Council, the Representation of the European Commission in Malta, the Malta Arts Fund for their financial support, and Aguis Decorations, Klabb Kotba Maltin and tiffranka.dot.com for their sponsorship. This issue is endorsed by Valletta 2018 Foundation. The cover painting is an original work by the artist Ryan Falzon.

Here is the official page for Leħen il-Malti: www.facebook.com/lehenilmalti.

Click here for the Facebook event: www.facebook.com/events/713940111992660.