ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book uses Jewish and Christian sacred scriptures – the Old Testament – to identify the rich insights they offer into the nature of politics and governance. It argues that politics are a key aspect of Shakespeare’s work though they are only manifest in terms of how the characters are affected indirectly. The book also tackles the works of two journalists and literary figures – Charles Dickens and George Orwell – whose work both portrayed and challenged the societies in which they lived. It then argues that Maltese authors envisaged their country as a small nation-state well before this became a reality. The book looks at the role of music in the formation of political identities of states, groups and communities, thus challenging the perspective on how politics and music are perceived.
