VALLETTA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Three books about China dating back to the 18th century have been found recently in the national library of Malta by a senior science teacher.
The three old books are "not so rare but still very prestigious for our national collection", Martin Azzopardi who found the books when researching old texts and books about China in the library, told Xinhua. He works as a senior science teacher at St. Margaret College Secondary School Verdala, Cospicua.
One book he found in the library often known as National Bibliotheca, dates back to the year 1723. Besides account of then history, it also talks about Chinese customs, manners, religion and costumes. The other two date back to the year 1760 and 1770 respectively.
"These three books are a big part of the national heritage books in our National Bibliotheca in Malta," said Azzopadi, adding that the authors of these books "contributed to the building of a bridge of understanding between the West and the East."
The books are in a very bad condition awaiting restoration now. Maroma Camilleri, librarian of the national library of Malta, said, "We will do our best to restore them as soon as possible so that we can make these precious works known and appreciated." Enditem
