The school of whoredom

Ingeniously subverting the Greek literary form, Aretino here presents a dialogue - not of profound philosophical thought - but of the art of prostitution.

Bawdy and thoroughly risque, The School of Whoredom is anti-Classicism at its best.

Determined that her daughter should not be ignorant of the ways of men and of love, Nanna seeks to 'educate' the naive Pippa.

She tells her of women - whores, housewives and nuns: all being essentially the same; of how to win men - discreetly and with good manners.

But above all she tells her - without ever resorting to euphemism - the secrets of her art as a courtesan.