Dian Hanson's: The History of Men's Magazines. Vol. 1: From 1900 to Post-WWII

In 1839, the first commercial camera was introduced, which enabled ordinary men to create photographic negatives. This led to the production of the first nude magazines in 1880, which were souvenirs for patrons of Parisian music halls. Wilford Fawcett launched "Capt. Billys Whiz Bang" in 1919, helping launch the first sexual revolution of the 1920s. Decadent Weimar Berlin produced cabaret, fetish, and free love magazines, while nudist titles pushed fascist politics. The 1930s economic depression boosted demand for cheap escape, and mens magazines delivered.

Format: Hardback
Length: 460 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

The history of commercial photography is a fascinating journey that began in 1839 with the introduction of the first commercial camera. Over the years, technological advancements allowed ordinary men to create photographic negatives, which paved the way for the widespread distribution of photographs, particularly of naked women. The French were at the forefront of this movement, producing the first nude magazines in 1880 as souvenirs for patrons of Parisian music halls. These magazines quickly gained popularity, and newsstand magazines followed suit. One of the most notable publications was "La Vie Parisienne," a magazine that featured sexy fiction and illustrations and debuted in 1914.

However, the impact of commercial photography extended beyond Paris. During World War I, German and American troops carried these magazines home, introducing them to a wider audience. In the United States, American Wilford Fawcett launched "Capt. Billys Whiz Bang" in 1919, which helped launch the first sexual revolution of the 1920s. This period saw the birth of "SEX" magazine, founded by birth control pioneer Margaret Sanger.

Decadent Weimar Berlin was a hub of artistic and cultural activity, producing a variety of magazines that reflected the city's vibrant spirit. Cabaret, fetish, and free love magazines thrived, while nudist titles pushed fascist politics. The 1933 Berlin book burning marked a tragic moment in history, where books considered obscene or politically subversive were burned.

In response to the economic depression of the 1930s, demand for cheap escape and entertainment increased, leading to the emergence of mens magazines. These magazines featured a wide range of content, including film magazines featuring sexy starlets, "model study" art magazines, hardcore comics known as Tijuana Bibles, "spicy" fiction digests with sexy painted covers, and detective titles featuring bad dames.

As another world war erupted, pinup magazines became essential for fighting men, providing a source of inspiration and comfort during times of conflict. After the war, new mens magazines rose from the ashes, continuing to shape the cultural landscape of the time.

This series, Volume 1, is a comprehensive collection of over 700 covers and photos from France, Germany, the United States, England, Turkey, Austria, Spain, and Argentina, among other countries. The photographs showcase the diverse styles and themes of commercial photography throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, from the erotic and sensual to the political and controversial.

In conclusion, the history of commercial photography is a testament to the power of visual communication and the impact it has had on society. From the early nude magazines of the French to the sexual revolution of the 1920s and the cultural upheaval of the 1930s, commercial photography has played a significant role in shaping our understanding of beauty, sexuality, and culture. This series, Volume 1, offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of this fascinating field, providing a valuable resource for historians, artists, and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 2086g
Dimension: 223 x 285 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836592154
Edition number: Multilingual ed