'Penthouse Forum' Celebrates 45th Anniversary

NEW YORK CITY—Originally published as an insert in the March 1970 issue of Penthouse magazine and subtitled “The International Journal of Human Relations,” Penthouse Forum was destined to become a magazine like none other. It was informative, exploring topics of growing importance to the sexually curious. If you needed advice on improving bedroom technique; had questions about marriage, divorce or adultery; or sought tips on increasing your sex drive, Penthouse Forum started the discussion with frank, honest language and provided what many would consider the final word on those topics and many, many others. The most enduring and culturally impactful aspect of Penthouse Forum has been its notorious letters section, the first example of “fan fiction” decades before Fifty Shades of Grey. Forum letters claimed their own place on the forefront of mainstream, mass-market erotica by giving readers a truly behind-the-scenes look at what their neighbors do after dark—and sometimes in the afternoon—as well as a place to share their own experiences. Most intriguing of all, it was meant to be read by men and women alike! The 45th Anniversary issue blends a fond, playful look at its roots with more contemporary content. The lead feature revisits a selection of ’70s-era letters depicting the May/December romance of a mid-twenties man and a mid-sixties woman; the possibilities of cannabis as an aphrodisiac; and a couple’s first attempt at bondage—carried out with a plaster body cast. The main pictorial features porn star Ash Hollywood in a layout whose vintage look will be immediately familiar to long-time readers. Alongside columns by Dennis Hof and Mandy Stadtmiller and a new batch of soon-to-be-classic letters, the latest Penthouse Forum proudly and boldly carries on the vision of Penthouse founder Bob Guccione. The April/May issue of Penthouse Forum is on sale now at newsstands or online here. An iconic adult entertainment and lifestyle brand since 1965, Penthouse is part of FriendFinder Networks Inc., a leading Internet-based social networking company. FFN also produces and distributes original pictorial and video content and licenses the Penthouse brand to a variety of consumer companies and entertainment venues.