The Little World of Don Camillo

‘Inimitable, delicious, full of pure fun’ --The Observer


In this newly translated volume, many of Guareschi’s enchanting and strangely moving stories are available in English for the first time.

Reading The Little World is to travel to La Bassa – Italy’s Lower Plain which runs from the Western Alps to the Adriatic Sea, with its unique atmosphere, culture and natural history. And to do so in the incomparable company of a cast of fictional characters who testify to the exquisite humour and humanity of their creator. 


In Don Camillo’s world, eternal forces grapple with the absurd drama of everyday life, and hilarious and unearthly things can happen. If you keep this in mind you will soon get to know the village priest and his adversary, Peppone, the Communist Mayor, and not be surprised when a third person observes the goings-on from a big cross in the church and not infrequently intercedes.


People who read Don Camillo also like G K Chesterton’s Father Brown, Gabriel Chevallier’s Clochemerle and Andrea Camilleri’s Inspector Montalbano. They enjoy truly characterful writers, warm humour and the particular nuances of a community in a very special part of the world.


‘Written with such warmth and simplicity, so concerned with the trivialities of everyday life and giving us so shrewd a glimpse into the minds of the people . . .’ London Evening News 


‘Charming and enchanting . . . Witty and wise’ --Edinburgh Evening News