This work shows 16th-century Italy from an alternative perspective: through advice manuals which were staples in the households of middlebrow Italians just trying to lead a better life.

"How to Do It" shows us sixteenth-century Italy from an entirely new perspective: through manuals that were staples in the households of middlebrow Italians merely trying to lead better lives. Addressing various challenges such as how to conceive a boy, or what to do should you want to goad female (or male) desires, these booklets give us a refreshing and fun social history.