A Historical Background Of Playboy Magazine
Author: Lisa James

Playboy Magazine continues to be the premiere American adult
magazine selling over one million copies every month in the
U.S., fifty-three years after its inaugural issue. Indeed
Playboy magazine has surpassed the true test of time from its
first issue in 1953 with none other than Marilyn Monroe as the
centerfold. Despite getting banned from various countries due
to explicit pictures of its female models, Playboy magazine's
sales continue to increase.

Playboy Magazine was founded by Hugh Hefner (affectionately
known as Hef) and his associates who formed Playboy
Enterprises, Inc. Hef, initially wanted to name his magazine
Stag Party, obviously aiming for male readers. However, Stag
Company had patented the name and threatened to sue Hefner and
his associates if they proceeded to use the trademarked name.
After discussing the problem they decided to think of another
name. One of Hef's associates suggested the name playboy, from
the Playboy Automobile Company where he previously worked.

And so in December 1953, the first issue of Playboy Magazine
was published bearing no name, since Hefner was not sure at
that time whether a second issue would be published. The first
issue's centerfold was a picture of Marilyn Monroe, which was
originally intended for a calendar issue. But, despite the
uncertainty on the second issue of the Playboy magazine, the
maiden issue was sold out in two weeks time. Actual sales for
the maiden issue of Playboy were pegged at 53,991.

With the success in sales of the first issue, Hefner and his
associates moved on and published the second issue. This time,
Playboy magazine's official logo, that of a bunny wearing a
tuxedo bow tie was born. The rabbit was chosen to be the
official mascot of the magazine for the animal's playfulness,
which is what the magazine was trying to impress upon its
readers.

Through the years, Playboy Magazine has featured many
celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, Drew Barrymore, Charlize
Theron, Madonna, Belinda Carlisle, Tiffany, Shannen Doherty,
Katarina Witt among other famous celebrities who have posed for
the magazine in their most provocative poses and barest beauty.
These celebrity models were photographed by such notable
photographers such as Stephen Wayda, Ron Harris, Russ Meyer and
many others.

Another proof of Playboy's success was the string of
international country specific Playboy editions that came out.
Playboy International editions were published in Brazil,
Australia, Argentina, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, among other
countries.

Of course, because of the nature of Playboy magazine, it was
not widely accepted in some of the more conservative countries.
Most countries in the Asian have banned the sale and publication
of Playboy magazine due to what is described as its lewd nature
and vulgarity that is contradictory to the norms and values of
the people.

During the 1970s, when Playboy magazine reached its peak,
circulation of the magazine dwindled down. This was attributed
to the rise of new competitors in the adult magazine business,
such as Penthouse. The proliferation of adult videos also
contributed to the decline in sales of the magazine.

Currently, Playboy magazine is being run by Hefner's daughter,
Christie who assumed the post of Chief Executive officer in
1988.


About The Author: Lisa James is an avid reader of books and
magazines. She is also a staff writer for http://suscriba.com,
a seller of Playboy Magazine Subscriptions and over 1100
popular magazine subscriptions.