Reading these stories about the little world between the Great River and the Mountains, is to travel to the Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy in the incomparable company of a cast of characters who testify to the exquisite humour and humanity of their creator.

The year is 1953. The Soviet Union is the No. 1 enemy of the West, and the Vatican has issued its famous decree which makes voting communist a mortal sin.

No.6 in the Don Camillo series provides the sharpest real-life context yet for the often hilarious feud between the battling village priest and the communist Mayor, Peppone. But, as ever, Guareschi is writing for all times and all places.