The Story of Malta: "This precious stone set in the silver sea"

"A graphic delineator of scenes and events, while at the same time a perfect master of language, Mr. Ballou enlists the interest of his readers at the beginning, and does not allow it to wane. In the present work he has done a valuable service to the young, especially, by taking them to a historic spot, which, although it appears but a speck on the map, owing to its small superficial area, has a romantic interest rarely equaled by any tract of like size. Its present aspect, too, is attractive and picturesque. Since the opening of the Suez canal it has attained an importance, commercially speaking, which brings it to more general notice than previously; while the student, the antiquarian and the artist have learned the value of rich treasure which the island holds for them. It is the casual tourist, the visitor, the sight-seer, the man of leisure, to whom Mr. Ballou most strongly appeals, and the pen pictures which are given of a civilization covering 3,000 years, of Phoenician, Punic, Roman, Grecian and Asiatic domination, must attract and interest all who read." -Good Housekeeping

"Nothing worth seeing seems to escape his eye, while all that would delight others to know is portrayed in a rich, graphic style." -New York Observer.

"It is as useful to read him as it is enjoyable to travel with him." -Journal of Education (Boston).

"Few persons have traveled so extensively, and no one more profitably, both to himself and the public, than Mr. Ballou." -Edwin P. Whipple.

"One of those pleasing accounts of which Mr. Ballou has furnished so many, in which the graphic pen pictures of a tourist are made to alternate with accurate historical records, is to be found in 'The Story of Malta.' His wide experience, his knowledge of men and their ways, his trained habit of sight, and his quick faculties of reasoning, all combine to make this production one of interest and profit." -The Chautauquan

"The island of Malta is not only a place of great historic interests, but one of modern commercial importance as well. It is directly in the highway between Europe and Asia, and has become a sort of half-way station for the great bulk of the shipping which traverses the Suez Canal. 'The Story of Malta,' by Mr. Maturin M. Ballou, is an interesting and careful study of this small but noteworthy bit of terra firma in Mediterranean waters." -Kate Field's Washington

"The island of Malta, since the opening of the Suez Canal, has become the maritime half-way-house between Europe and Asia, which imparts to it vast commercial importance and causes it to be visited by many people who but from the force of circumstances would perhaps never have become conversant with its singularly beautiful surroundings, or its fascinating capital, the unique city of Valletta. Mr. Ballou's new volume gives a thorough description of the island of Malta, its history, scenery and inhabitants." -Publishers Weekly

"Maturin M. Ballou's books of travel are so well known to those that take pleasure in voyaging by proxy, that to mention a new book by him, its subject and scope, is quite sufficient. His latest book is 'The Story of Malta,' and the subject is one that gives good scope to Mr. Ballou's pen. Its historic nature carries well the slight touch of pedantry that he always has, and its limited area concentrates his attention, and prevents that discursive rambling from New Zealand to Norway that he delights in. The result is a very interesting book, with some eloquent chapters." -The Overland Monthly