The culture of America and indeed the world changed in 1953 when Hugh Hefner published the first issue of Playboy. Hef, then an unknown, went on to become the international symbol for playboys. No doubt that the first issue was key to his success and in a very shrewd move he got the heartthrob of America, Marilyn Monroe to grace the cover, and more importantly pose nude in photographs that remain as famous as ever, over 50 years later. Condition: High grade example has only a few minor wrinkles on the spine. Original staples. Near Mint.