Giovanni Guareschi was born on May Day, 1908, in Fontanelle di Roccabianca. Conflict marked his life. A humorously provocative nature and the creative talents of a cartoonist, humorist and satirist led him to use the post-war conflict in Italy as a metaphor for conflict within and without all peoples, wherever they may be. Using the characters of a communist mayor, (Peppone), a Catholic priest (Don Camillo) and a speaking Christ above the high altar of the village church, his books have reached millions worldwide. Now, for the first time, in 12 newly translated volumes, the full complement of 364 stories are available for future generations.

‘Prescient and perceptive’ (Tobias Jones) … ‘Absolutely delightful in their satirical swipes at human weakness’ (Paul Merton).

• Part OneThe Flood (1951)The Lockout (1952)Cinema (1952)The Brigade (1952)The Good Earth (1952)The Bust of the King (1952)The Direct Route (1952)La Rosa Rossa (1952)The Sharecropper's Heart (1952)The '99 Boys (1953)Part TwoLetter to the Reader (1955)Smilzo’s Intervention (1957)Clementina’s Gift (1957)Land to the Bricklayers (1957)East and West (1957)Invaders Arrive from the City (1960)A Matter of Sport (1960)Music (1960)Land to the Sharecroppers (1960)Peppone Has a Problem (1960)The Black Sheep (1960)Tschaika 5506cc  (1960)Asylum Seekers (1960)The Eye of Stalin (1960)