The Playboy Book: Fifty Years [Hardcover]

Hugh M. Hefner (Author), Gretchen Edgren (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2005

Fine gentlemen's entertainment since 1953 Relive Playboy's fifty-year history with this sweeping retrospective of the groundbreaking magazine that grew from Hugh Hefner's pet project into an icon as recognizable as Disney and Coca-Cola. Visit Hef's Playboy Mansion, canoodle with his delectable Bunnies, tour the DC-9 Big Bunny jet, experience the sizzling atmosphere of the Playboy Clubs, read the best Playboy interviews, original fiction, and humor, cackle at the irreverent cartoons and social satire pieces, and?of course?admire each Playmate of the Month since the first issue (all six hundred of them!) All of the magazine's most glorious moments are highlighted in this extravaganza of Playboy nostalgia. With an introduction by Hugh Hefner

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

With an introduction by Hugh Hefner

About the Author

Hugh Marston Hefner was born in Chicago on April 9, 1926. The first issue of Playboy magazine, featuring the now-famous calendar photo of Marilyn Monroe, was produced in 1953 on a kitchen table in his South Side apartment. Playboy grew at a phenomenal rate and by the end of the decade, the magazine was selling more than a million copies a month. At the start of the 60s, Hef began to live out the "Good Life" depicted in the pages of his publication. He hosted a popular syndicated television show called "Playboy's Penthouse," purchased the Playboy Mansion, and opened the first Playboy Club on the Near North Side of Chicago. Throughout the 60s, Hef and Playboy became what Chicago columnist Bob Greene has called "a force of nature." Hef wrote an extended series of editorials titled "The Playboy Philosophy," championing the rights of the individual and challenging the country's heritage of puritan repression. By 1971, when Playboy Enterprises went public, the magazine was selling 7 million copies a month and there were 23 Playboy Clubs, resorts, hotels and casinos with more than 900,000 members worldwide. Hef established a second residence in Los Angeles, which quickly became known as Playboy Mansion West, and in 1975 decided to settle there permanently. In 1980, Hef championed the reconstruction of the Hollywood sign (then in serious disrepair) and was honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of fame for his efforts.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Taschen (June 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3822839760
• ISBN-13: 978-3822839768
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #752,969 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The REAL Playboy, October 11, 2005

By 

Christopher Ohn "Red Death" (Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Playboy Book: Fifty Years (Hardcover)

Although Playboy is what it is, and because of the reason why many people purchase the magazine, there needs to be an understanding of the true content of the magazine through the years. Remember that the magazine is usually only 20% sex and nude women. That leaves 80% every month to be used for art, technology, controversial editorials, interviews, etc. This tome is huge and heavy, and I'm glad it takes the reader through a tour of 50 years of the COMPLETE world of Playboy. If you only want naked women, don't buy this - buy either "The Playmate Book" or "Blondes", "Brunettes", or "Redheads".

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK!, February 10, 2010

By 

Tom "DaKine747" (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Playboy Book: Fifty Years (Hardcover)

Superb photo history of the first 50 years of Playboy magazine! The evolution of this groundbreaking publication is nothing short of amazing. I have always loved "vintage" Playboy photography and illustrations, and the Playboy book delivers this BIG time! Also, the DVD's of Playboy After Hours, and Playboy's Penthouse are incredible too. I'm glad I was able to obtain a "used" copy of The Playboy Book in such great condition, for such a great price! This tome is a great addition to my library. Thanks!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a work of art, April 5, 2009

By 

C. F. Lathm "mindful traveller" (naples, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Playboy Book: Fifty Years (Hardcover)

having grown up with playboy and as an adult continuing to enjoy the publication i found this book to be a masterpiece. both in the writing and the outstanding photos presented. especially enjoyed the pull out with all the covers since playboys debut! the legend of playboy is most certainly revered, respected and uplifted by this publication! a must have for anyone that has and continues to enjoy the magic that is playboy magazine.
most tastefully presented, like a book of fine art!