Playboy was the first "skin magazine" to win a degree of acceptance in mainstream America. It did so by providing its male readers with more than just "skin." It offered an entire lifestyle for the reader to enjoy—at least in his fantasies.

Playboy debuted as a reaction against the repressive standards that ruled popular culture in the 1950s. No nudity, no suggestive language, no sex portrayed outside of marriage, and very little mention of sex even within marriage were allowed in mainstream media.

Hugh Hefner (1926–), who had worked in publishing with little personal success, decided to gamble that the kind of magazine he wanted to read would also appeal to other young men. He borrowed a few thousand dollars and launched Playboy in December 1953. The first issue was given a boost by its centerfold: Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962), the hottest actress of the decade. She had posed for some...