By Robert Hubbard Mon, December 1, 2008, 12:01 am PST

The famous logo On this day in 1953, the very first issue of "Playboy" was published. In it, founder Hugh Hefner encapsulated the magazine's essence with these words: "If you're a man between the ages of 18 and 80, 'Playboy' is meant for you. If you like your entertainment served up with humor, sophistication and spice, 'Playboy' will become a very special favorite." That first issue, though, had a precarious future. There was no date on it (a second issue was in doubt) and Hef's name was left out so it wouldn't be tarnished should the magazine go -- dare we say it? -- bust. Luckily for him, the issue sold well -- due in no small part to the nude centerfold, Marilyn Monroe. The centerfold may be the foundation upon which the magazine is built, but "Playboy" distinguished itself from other men's magazines of the era through its focus on a sophisticated urban lifestyle, as opposed to the rough and tumble worlds endorsed by competitors. This bid for sophistication incorporated intelligent articles, short stories by talented writers, and the "Playboy Interview," which has grown into an institution of its own. That formula of sophistication -- and sex -- which worked so well in the 20th century, has, with little alteration, endured into the 21st century. Today's magazine is only a part of Playboy Enterprises, which has spread beyond publishing into a clothing line, gambling, the Web, social networking, video, radio, and television. While Hefner remains the embedded symbol of Playboy leadership, the sprawling empire is actually run by his daughter, Christie from Playboy headquarters in Chicago. The magazine's 55th anniversary issue is due in January, and will feature a centerfold model chosen from the girls considered during this past summer's massive nationwide casting call. (An anniversary issue tradition since 1979.) The niche that Playboy carved out in the '50s is now saturated with men's magazines as well as online content, but the progenitor of them all is still the most popular. Why? It's a glittering male fantasy that's incredibly seductive, despite -- or maybe even as a result of -- being somewhat dated. But, really, what it comes down to is that, "Playboy" simply answers that indecent question ensconced within the male mind: what does that girl next door look like underneath her clothes? Suggested Sites... Official Playboy Website - access everything in the Playboy universe. Playboy Enterprises - Playboy magazine's corporate site. The Girls Next Door - information on the E! Channel reality show. Centerfold.com - archive of Playboy pictorials. Interviews with Hugh and Christie Hefner - Charlie Rose interviews Hugh Hefner and Playboy CEO Christie Hefner

Directory categories: Playboy, Adult Magazines, Playboy Playmates, Hugh Hefner, The Girls Next Door

Archived under: 1950s, American History, Anniversaries, Babes, Beauty, Breasts, Hugh Hefner, Magazines, Men, Models, Playboy, Sex and Sexuality, Society and Culture, Women

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