This book shows examples of studies of the male and female nude by both well known and lesser artists. It recreates the atmosphere of the life class and studio, examining, for example, the occurrence of covert homosexuality and the underpaid reality of a once derided profession; only a few models made it to the Café Royal and the glamour of a bohemian lifestyle among the rich and fashionable. It also discusses changing reaction to the nudes it illustrates - a reaction not always in favour of the body beautiful, for in some respects our age demands greater control of nakedness than the Victorians ever did.