Playboy (magazine)

Playboy is an adult entertainment magazine, founded in 1953 by Hugh Hefner, which has grown into Playboy Enterprises, Inc. {{NYSE|PLA}}, reaching into every form of media. Playboy is one of the world's best known brands. In addition to the flagship magazine in the United States, special country-specific versions of Playboy are published worldwide.

History

The first centerfold was Marilyn Monroe, although the picture used had originally been taken for a calendar rather than Playboy. Hefner purchased the rights to the photos of Monroe along with others.

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The first issue, published in December, 1953, did not carry a date, as Hefner was unsure whether there would be a second issue. That first issue was an immediate sensation and sold out within a matter of weeks. Known circulation was 53,991 (Source: Playboy Collector's Association Playboy Magazine Price Guide). The cover price was 50¢. Copies of the first issue in Mint to Near Mint condition fetched over $5000 in 2002.

Related Topics:
1953 - 2002

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The famous Playboy logo, depicting the stylized profile of a rabbit wearing a tuxedo bow tie, was designed by art designer Art Paul for the magazine's second issue and has appeared on every issue since; a running joke in the magazine involves hiding the logo somewhere in the cover art or photograph. Hefner said that he chose the rabbit as a mascot for its “humorous sexual connotation”, and because the image was “frisky and playful”.

Related Topics:
Rabbit - Tuxedo - Art Paul - Sexual

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Since reaching its peak in the 1970s, Playboy has seen a slow decline in circulation and success, in part due to a series of bad investments in men's clubs and casinos, and partly from increased competition in the field it founded—first from Penthouse in the '70s and more recently from the related area of more irreverent and socially acceptable “lad's mags” such as Maxim and FHM.

Related Topics:
Maxim - FHM

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In response Playboy has attempted to re-assert its hold on the 18–35 male demographic it once controlled through slight changes to its content and focussing on issues and personalities more appropriate to its audience—such as hip-hop artists being featured in the Playboy Interview.

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Christie Hefner, daughter of Hugh Hefner, became CEO of Playboy in 1988 and is now also Chairman of the Board.

Related Topics:
Christie Hefner - Hugh Hefner - CEO - 1988

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