Customer Reviews

Inside the Playboy Mansion: If You Don't Swing, Don't Ring

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Much like the TV show "Playboy After Dark" this book gives one a real look into the glory days of the Playboy Lifestyle and specifically the Playboy Mansion. Although more of a coffee table book, the pictures and even the plans to the "original" bachelor pad that Hefner planned to build, are also included. The pictures and the memories included in this book are facinating.

This is such an interesting book both in photographs and the stories behind each of the Chicago and "Hollywood" mansions that Hef has lived in. From the early 1960's where the food and the women were abundant listening to the Beatles, The Rolling Stones and even Frank Sinatra, the Chicago Playboy Mansion was definitely the social scene of the early-mid 1960's and 1970's. Even the Playboy Bunny's had special rooms upstairs in the mansion where they paid rent to live (although very inexpensive rent due to the genorosity of Hef). Now the Playboy Mansion West is the social scene in the 1990's. The heyday's of the 1960's 1970's and 1990's (the 1980s were a down period for the mansion, also Hef was married to Kimberly Conrad so the 1980's were a quiet time at the Mansion) are shown in excellent photographic detail, and yes Hef rightly so, is the spotlight and focus of this book since he is the creator not only of Playboy Magazine but also the Playboy lifestyle.

From Chicago Hef moved to California and started the Playboy Mansion West (still the place to go for Hollywood's elite) and every Playboy fans fantasy is to visit the mansion and meet Hef himself. From the Grotto to the movie room each room gives a glimpse of what a tour would be like and what it would also be like to live there. The party's, the movie nights, and even the petting zoo are shown. This book is a result of many fans of Hef and Playboy asking him what his everyday life is like behind the scene's at the mansion.

I congratulate Hugh M. Hefner for starting the vision of Playboy, which not only showcases beautiful women from around the world, but also gives them the opportunity to take that experience and make it an opportunity. Alot of feminists and people may not agree with Hef's philosophy and lifestyle, but that is what makes Playboy great. The Playboy forum and letter's to the editor gives people and readers of Playboy Magazine a chance to voice their opinion if to agree or disagree, Hef believes in the right for people to make their own choice and express it. That is one of the purposes of Playboy, the freedom to express yourself, as long as it does not hurt or damage others.

Thank you Hef for allowing your fans to appreciate the scenes of the Playboy Mansion and what has happened there over the years, (what I wouldnt give to go to a Midsummer's Night Dream Party or to Hefs movie nights!) This is a great book to all fans of Playboy and the immortal Hugh M. Hefner.

This big, candy-colored book suffers from so much merciless knee-bending to the great lord of the manor--Hef, Hef, Hef--as if he were some sort of god. (And you just thought he published dirty books.) Indeed, you begin to think the main activity at the mansions must have been butt-kissing. This book was penned by longtime Playboy staffer Gretchen Edgren, with Playboy's full cooperation, so don't expect any details on the very real toll this silly, hedonistic life ultimately had on some of the participants. What's most amusing is that Hugh Hefner seems the anomaly in his own surroundings, a small, unglamorous, goofy looking guy surrounded by A-list celebrities and tantalizing vixens. He seems plucked out of a James Thurber short story, a Walter Mitty, transported from his accounting cubicle to a life of carnal overkill. One outtake photo included actually shows Hefner's large , exposed behind in the famed grotto. Also, interestingly, is a very unflattering photo of Kimberley Hefner, the Playmate For A Lifetime, who is now estranged from her husband. A most rosy postcard from Chicago and Holmby Hills.

Inside the Playboy Mansion starts out really great. Shows the lifestyle most young bachelors want for themselves by showing how Hef entertained at his Chicago mansion in the 60s. Lots of socializing with very important figures of the day plus all the beautiful women these young men would want. As the book progresses throughout the decades(that's how "Inside" is divided), it's starts looking like a very uninspiringly put together society page from a newspaper. Ho-hum pictures with Hefner and celebrities. Don't get me wrong, the book also has some great shots of the most important playmates ever, especially Barbi Benton which was possibly the cutest playmate ever.

However, the thing that bothered me the most about "Inside" was the last part, were Hefner marries Kimberly Conrad and they have two boys. Totally wierd. All the baby & family pictures just didn't fit. I mean, its starts out as this great sexy book and then it turns into a freaking family album, COME ON!

Truely one of the great masterworks of the late 20th century. In years to come will be an essential classic for the whole family. Many interesting pictures.