The National Book Council expresses condolences On The Passing Of Mr Guido Lanfranco

The National Book Council extends its condolences to the family and friends of Mr Guido Lanfranco following the passing of the renowned scholar and naturalist.

Guido Lanfranco (18/10/1930 – 8/9/2021) was at the forefront of the modern study of local natural history, working passionately as an educator and researcher to spread knowledge about Malta’s flora, fauna and folklore. His work has served as an inspiration to a generation of biologists, social scientists and many others.  

He received the National Book Prize on six occasions including the Prize for Non-Fiction for Xogħol, Ġaħġiħ u Snajja’ li Spiċċaw (2002, 2003), Folklor (2004), and Logħob, Taqbil u Ġugarelli tat-Tfal Maltin (2006), and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Literature in 2008.

Lanfranco’s other publications include Guide to the Flora of Malta (1955, 1960); Field Guide to The Wild Flowers of Malta (1969, 1977); Complete Guide to The Fishes of Malta (1958, 1965, 1974); The Fish Around Malta (1993, 1996); Ħxejjex Mediċinali u Oħrajn (1993, 2000); L-Istorja tat-Trasport F’Malta (1999,2002); Drawwiet u Tradizzjonijiet Maltin (2001, 2012); Mediċina Popolari tal-Imgħoddi fil-Gżejjer Maltin (2001); Drawwiet u Ħajja mill-Istorja ta’ Malta (2005); Żwieġ, Twelid u Mewt… Drawwiet u Tradizzjonijiet (2011).

Among the many accolades, Lanfranco received over the years are the Bronze Medal of Merit by the Conference of Civic Councils in 1969 and the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika in 1996. In December 2015, he received his MSc honoris causa by the University of Malta.