So it is a cool company and the story is pretty cool. Here are some facts you might like to know...Playboy, first published in 1953, is the world's best-selling men's monthly magazine, and launched one of the world's most successful entertainment empires. Almost 10 million American adults read Playboy every month, and the magazine's U.S. total paid circulation of 3 million is larger than that of Esquire, GQ and Rolling Stone combined.
Fast Facts:
- The first issue, published in December 1953, did not carry a date, as Hefner was unsure whether there would be a second edition
- The first centerfold was Marilyn Monroe, from a picture originally taken for a calendar.
- The first issue was an immediate sensation; it sold out within a matter of weeks.
- Known circulation was 53,991.
- The cover price was 50¢, the same issue in near mint condition is worth about $5,000 today.
- The famous logo, depicting the stylized profile of a rabbit wearing a tuxedo bow tie, was designed by art designer Art Paul for the magazine's second issue and has appeared on every issue since.
- A long running tradition involves hiding the logo somewhere in the cover art or photograph.
- Hefner said that he chose the rabbit as a mascot for its "humorous sexual connotation", and because the image was "frisky and playful".
Anyway - pretty cool company and cool story.
