How to Get Every Playboy Centerfold Ever Published in One PDF File
Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016 Books Pdf File
Playboy is one of the most iconic and influential magazines in history. Founded by Hugh Hefner in 1953, it has been a source of entertainment, information, and inspiration for millions of readers around the world. But perhaps the most famous and distinctive feature of Playboy is its centerfold: a nude or semi-nude photograph of a beautiful woman, known as a Playmate of the Month.
Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016 Books Pdf File
In 2017, Chronicle Books published a stunning collection of every nude centerfold from every issue of Playboy, from 1953 to February 2016. The book, titled "Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016", contains 734 nude centerfolds and decade openers from literary luminaries, including an all-new essay by Elizabeth Wurtzel on the last decade of centerfolds. The book is a must-have edition for any fan or collector of Playboy, as it showcases the evolution and diversity of beauty and sexuality over more than six decades.
In this article, we will explore the history and significance of Playboy and its centerfolds, highlight some of the best features and images from the book "Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016", review some of the opinions and feedback from critics and readers, and answer some frequently asked questions about this remarkable book.
History of Playboy and its centerfolds
Playboy was born out of Hugh Hefner's frustration with his job as a copywriter for Esquire magazine. He wanted to create a magazine that would cater to men's interests and passions, such as literature, humor, sports, politics, fashion, music, movies, and sex. He also wanted to challenge the conservative and puritanical norms of the post-war America, and celebrate the sexual liberation and expression of both men and women.
He borrowed $8,000 from various sources, including his mother, and launched the first issue of Playboy in December 1953. The cover featured a photograph of Marilyn Monroe, who had posed nude for a calendar in 1949, before she became famous. Hefner bought the rights to the photos for $500, and used one of them as the centerfold of the first issue. The issue was a huge success, selling more than 50,000 copies, and establishing Playboy as a cultural phenomenon.
Over the years, Playboy expanded its reach and influence, becoming a global brand and a multimedia empire. It published some of the finest writers and artists of the 20th century, such as Ray Bradbury, Ian Fleming, Jack Kerouac, Norman Mailer, Vladimir Nabokov, Kurt Vonnegut, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, and many more. It also featured interviews with some of the most prominent and controversial figures of the time, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, John Lennon, Fidel Castro, Steve Jobs, and Barack Obama.
But the centerfold remained the heart and soul of Playboy. It was a showcase of beauty, glamour, fantasy, and eroticism. It was also a reflection of the changing times and tastes of society. Playboy featured women of different races, ethnicities, ages, body types, and personalities as its centerfolds. Some of them became celebrities in their own right, such as Jayne Mansfield, Bettie Page, Ursula Andress, Raquel Welch, Pamela Anderson, Anna Nicole Smith, Jenny McCarthy, and Kim Kardashian.
Playboy also had a rigorous and selective process for choosing its centerfolds. It had a team of photographers, editors, and scouts who searched for potential models across the country and the world. It also had a testing system that evaluated the candidates on their appearance, personality, intelligence, and attitude. The final decision was made by Hefner himself, who had a keen eye and a personal preference for his ideal Playmate.
Highlights of the book "Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016"
The book "Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016" is a treasure trove of stunning images and fascinating stories. It contains every nude centerfold from every issue of Playboy from 1953 to February 2016. That's 734 nude centerfolds in total! The book is organized by decade, with each decade opening with an essay by a notable writer or critic who provides some context and commentary on the centerfolds of that era.
The book is also filled with some of the most iconic and memorable centerfolds in Playboy history. Here are some examples:
The first centerfold: Marilyn Monroe (December 1953). The legendary actress and sex symbol graced the first issue of Playboy with her radiant smile and voluptuous curves. She was also the only Playmate who did not pose specifically for Playboy.
The most popular centerfold: Janet Pilgrim (July 1955). The blonde bombshell was so popular that she appeared as a centerfold three times in one year (July 1955, December 1955, and October 1956). She was also Hefner's secretary and lover.
The first African-American centerfold: Jennifer Jackson (March 1965). The Chicago native broke racial barriers when she became the first black Playmate of the Month. She was also a twin sister.
The first Asian-American centerfold: China Lee (August 1964). The New Orleans native was born with the name Margaret Lee. She changed her name to China Lee after working as a dancer at a club called Chez Joey.
The first pregnant centerfold: Darine Stern (October 1971). The Chicago native was four months pregnant when she posed for Playboy. She was also the first black woman to appear solo on the cover of Playboy.
The youngest centerfold: Elizabeth Ann Roberts (January 1958). The Oregon native was only 16 years old when she posed for Playboy. She lied about her age and used fake identification to get past the magazine's screening process.
The oldest centerfold: Victoria Valentino (September 1963). The Connecticut native was 39 years old when she posed for Playboy. She was also a nurse and a mother of two.
or "The First Lady of the Internet".
The most famous centerfold: Cindy Crawford (July 1988). The supermodel and businesswoman posed for Playboy at the peak of her career. She was also one of the few celebrities who posed for Playboy more than once (she appeared again in October 1998).
The book also reveals some of the interesting facts and stories behind the centerfolds and their models. For example:
The centerfold with the most siblings: DeDe Lind (August 1967). The California native had 11 brothers and sisters.
The centerfold with the most pets: Karen Christy (December 1971). The Texas native had 17 dogs, six cats, four rabbits, two ducks, and a parrot.
The centerfold with the most tattoos: Stephen Wayda (July 2005). The photographer had more than 100 tattoos on his body.
The centerfold with the most unusual hobby: Lillian Müller (August 1975). The Norwegian model was an avid skydiver and had more than 200 jumps to her credit.
The centerfold with the most unusual occupation: Terri Kimball (May 1964). The Washington native was a professional wrestler and went by the name "Terri Shane".
Reviews and opinions of the book "Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016"
The book "Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016" has received mixed reviews and opinions from critics and readers. Some of them praised the book for its quality, design, and content, while others criticized it for its price, size, and relevance.
Some of the positive aspects of the book are:
It is a comprehensive and chronological collection of every nude centerfold from every issue of Playboy, which is a rare and valuable resource for fans and collectors.
It is a beautiful and elegant book that showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of Playboy's photographers, editors, and designers.
It is a cultural and historical document that reflects the changing trends and tastes of beauty and sexuality over more than six decades.
It is a tribute and homage to Hugh Hefner and his legacy as a visionary publisher and a champion of freedom and expression.
Some of the negative aspects of the book are:
It is an expensive and bulky book that costs $75 and weighs more than 10 pounds, which makes it difficult to handle and store.
It is a redundant and outdated book that does not offer anything new or different from previous editions or collections of Playboy centerfolds.
It is a sexist and objectifying book that exploits and commodifies women's bodies for male pleasure and profit.
It is an irrelevant and obsolete book that does not appeal to the modern and diverse audience of today's media and society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the book "Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016" is a remarkable book that celebrates every nude centerfold from every issue of Playboy, from 1953 to February 2016. It contains 734 nude centerfolds and decade openers from literary luminaries, including an all-new essay by Elizabeth Wurtzel on the last decade of centerfolds. It is a must-have edition for any fan or collector of Playboy, as it showcases the evolution and diversity of beauty and sexuality over more than six decades.
However, the book also has its drawbacks and limitations. It is an expensive and bulky book that costs $75 and weighs more than 10 pounds. It is a redundant and outdated book that does not offer anything new or different from previous editions or collections of Playboy centerfolds. It is a sexist and objectifying book that exploits and commodifies women's bodies for male pleasure and profit. It is an irrelevant and obsolete book that does not appeal to the modern and diverse audience of today's media and society.
Therefore, whether you should buy or download this book depends on your personal preferences, interests, and values. If you are a fan or collector of Playboy, you might find this book to be a worthwhile investment. If you are curious or nostalgic about Playboy's history and impact, you might find this book to be an interesting and informative read. If you are looking for a gift or a conversation piece, you might find this book to be a unique and surprising choice.
But if you are not interested or impressed by Playboy's centerfolds, you might find this book to be a waste of money and space. If you are offended or disgusted by Playboy's portrayal of women, you might find this book to be a source of anger and resentment. If you are looking for a more diverse and inclusive representation of beauty and sexuality, you might find this book to be a disappointment and a relic.
The choice is yours. But whatever you decide, remember that this book is not just a collection of pictures. It is a reflection of our culture and our society. And it is up to us to decide what we want to see and what we want to change.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the book "Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016":
Where can I buy or download the book "Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016"?
You can buy the book from various online retailers, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Chronicle Books. You can also download the book as a PDF file from some websites, such as Archive.org or Accessebookpages.com. However, be aware that downloading the book may violate the copyright laws and the terms of service of the websites.
Who are some of the famous celebrities who have posed as Playboy centerfolds?
Some of the famous celebrities who have posed as Playboy centerfolds include Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Bettie Page, Ursula Andress, Raquel Welch, Pamela Anderson, Anna Nicole Smith, Jenny McCarthy, Kim Kardashian, Drew Barrymore, Sharon Stone, Madonna, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Charlize Theron, Dolly Parton, and many more.
How much is the book "Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016" worth as a collector's item?
The book "Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016" is worth different amounts depending on its condition, edition, and availability. According to some online sources, such as Abebooks.com, the book can range from $50 to $300 or more. However, the value of the book may change over time depending on the demand and supply of the market.
What are some of the controversies or criticisms that Playboy has faced over its centerfolds?
Some of the controversies or criticisms that Playboy has faced over its centerfolds include:
The legal and ethical issues of featuring underage models, such as Elizabeth Ann Roberts (16), Donna Michelle (17), and Brooke Shields (10).
The moral and social backlash of featuring nude or semi-nude women in a public and mainstream magazine.
The feminist and activist protests of objectifying and degrading women as sexual commodities.
The racial and cultural stereotypes of exoticizing and fetishizing women of color.
The health and environmental risks of using harmful chemicals and materials in the production and distribution of the magazine.
How has Playboy adapted to the digital age and the changing media landscape?
Playboy has adapted to the digital age and the changing media landscape by:
Launching its own website, app, podcast, video channel, and social media platforms.
Expanding its content and audience to include more topics, genres, formats, and perspectives.
Diversifying its brand and business to include more products, services, events, and partnerships.
Innovating its design and style to appeal to more modern and sophisticated tastes.
Reinventing its image and mission to promote more progressive and inclusive values.
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