Historic first issue of Playboy, published in 1953. This is the magazine that launched a media empire and made its founder, Hugh Hefner, famous. The success of the first issue, of course, was the publication of Marilyn Monroe's nude image, which was featured as the magazine's centerfold (it was actually one-page at the time, the centerfolds came later). Monroe had posed for a series of nude photos years earlier which were featured on a calendar. Hefner purchased those photos and, capitalizing on Monroe's current stardom, featured them in his first issue to help promote sales of his new magazine. The ploy worked and Playboy quickly became one of the best selling magazines in the country. This is one of the most iconic first issues in publishing history and one that has continued to appreciate in value over the years, making it a favorite with collectors in many different fields. The magazine (8.5x11") is complete as issued and displays moderate wear, but with no major tears or defects. In Good to Very Good condition overall.