Playboy Magazine – July 1978 – Volume 25, Number 7 – Vintage American Edition

Original July 1978 issue of Playboy Magazine, featuring Pamela Sue Martin on the front cover, an interview with former CIA Director William Colby, an article by Carl Sagan, original artwork by LeRoy Neiman, and a selection of vintage American entertainment, political journalism, photography and advertising.

This is an original vintage issue of Playboy: Entertainment for Men, published in the United States in July 1978.

An interesting example of late-1970s American magazine publishing, combining prominent celebrity interviews, science writing, political discussion, television features, literary fiction, humour, lifestyle coverage and period advertising.

The magazine is particularly notable for its Pamela Sue Martin cover, its coverage of the CIA through William Colby, Carl Sagan's examination of paranormal claims and an original LeRoy Neiman feature featuring Elvis Presley.

Magazine Details

• Magazine: Playboy – Entertainment for Men

• Publication Date: July 1978

• Volume: 25

• Issue: Number 7

• Original US Cover Price: $2.00

• UK Cover Price: £1.00

• Country: United States

• Language: English

• Format: Vintage printed monthly magazine

• Condition: Pre-owned, with visible age-related wear

• SKU: 1571

Front Cover – Pamela Sue Martin

The front cover features American actress Pamela Sue Martin, best known during the 1970s for portraying Nancy Drew in the television series The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries.

The cover photograph presents Pamela in a detective-inspired setting, directly referencing her television character.

She is pictured wearing a light grey trench coat, loosely belted at the waist, while holding a magnifying glass.

Her shoulder-length auburn hair is styled in soft waves, with a fringe framing her face.

The photograph uses a warm beige and brown background, contrasting with the pale grey coat and the large white PLAYBOY masthead.

The detective theme is reinforced by the magnifying glass and the small rabbit-shaped detail visible near her hand.

The upper-right headline reads "TV's Nancy Drew Undraped", referring to the accompanying pictorial feature inside the magazine.

The front cover also promotes several major articles, including:

Neiman Paints Elvis Presley!

A feature showcasing artwork by celebrated American artist LeRoy Neiman.

Carl Sagan on Paranormal Junk

An examination of paranormal claims by astronomer and science communicator Carl Sagan.

Ex-CIA Chief Colby Tells Playboy What It's Like to Know Everything

A substantial interview with former CIA Director William Colby.

Martin Mull's Guaranteed Make-Out Guide

A humorous contribution from American entertainer Martin Mull.

Sex Expert Masters on First-Night Disasters

An article by noted researcher Dr William Masters.

The original cover design is a distinctive example of American magazine photography and graphic design from 1978.

Major Feature – William Colby Interview

Page 69 – Playboy Interview: William Colby

One of the magazine's most significant editorial features is an interview with William Colby, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Colby served as Director of Central Intelligence between 1973 and 1976, making this 1978 interview particularly interesting as a contemporary account of American intelligence affairs.

The magazine promotes the interview as an opportunity to learn about the experiences of a former CIA chief.

The contents describe it as a candid conversation with a former intelligence director.

This feature is of particular interest to collectors of:

• American political history.

• Cold War history.

• Intelligence and espionage journalism.

• CIA-related publications.

• Original interviews with prominent government officials.

• Vintage political magazines.

The article offers a contemporary perspective on intelligence work during a particularly important period in American political history.

Carl Sagan – Astral Projection and the Horse That Could Count

Page 82 – Article by Carl Sagan

A particularly collectible feature for readers interested in science and scepticism.

The article is titled "Astral Projection and the Horse That Could Count".

Written by celebrated astronomer and science communicator Carl Sagan, the feature examines extraordinary claims and paranormal subjects.

The magazine's contents specifically mention:

• Flying saucers.

• Extrasensory perception.

• Invisible psychic forces.

• Other unusual or unexplained phenomena.

The article reflects Sagan's interest in scientific reasoning, evidence and the critical examination of extraordinary claims.

An appealing original magazine appearance for collectors of Carl Sagan publications, science journalism and the history of sceptical thought.

Pamela Sue Martin – Nancy Drew Grows Up

Page 87 – Pictorial Feature

The magazine includes a photographic feature titled "Nancy Drew Grows Up".

The feature centres on actress Pamela Sue Martin and her transition from a teenage television detective to more mature acting roles.

The accompanying contents describe how the actress changes her public image following her television success.

The cover-story text identifies photographer Phillip Dixon as responsible for the cover photography.

The contents also reference Pamela's work in television and her association with the character Nancy Drew.

The feature is of particular interest to collectors of Pamela Sue Martin memorabilia, 1970s television history and vintage celebrity magazines.

LeRoy Neiman – The World of LeRoy Neiman

Page 134 – Pictorial Feature

Another particularly noteworthy inclusion is a feature dedicated to American artist LeRoy Neiman.

The article discusses Neiman's growing reputation and presents a selection of his artwork.

The magazine's front cover specifically advertises his depiction of Elvis Presley.

The contents describe the feature as a portfolio of Neiman's work, including two portraits of Elvis.

LeRoy Neiman became internationally recognised for his energetic paintings of celebrities, musicians, sporting personalities and major cultural events.

This original 1978 magazine feature is potentially interesting to collectors of Elvis Presley memorabilia, LeRoy Neiman artwork and vintage American art publications.

Important – Original Tear-Out Artwork

The front cover advertises a tear-out poster featuring Elvis Presley artwork by LeRoy Neiman.

However, the supplied photographs do not show the actual tear-out artwork or confirm that it remains present.

The original tear-out poster is therefore not guaranteed to be included.

Please purchase on the understanding that only the magazine and contents shown in the photographs are confirmed.

July 1978 Playmate – Karen Morton

Page 112 – All in the Family

The July 1978 Playmate of the Month is Karen Morton.

The contents introduce Karen through a feature titled All in the Family.

The accompanying description discusses her family background and her appearance in the magazine.

One supplied interior photograph shows part of a large-format colour pictorial featuring a blonde model reclining across an upholstered interior setting.

The photograph extends across facing pages and uses warm, soft lighting with brown and cream surroundings.

The visible spread includes a separate white page bearing the printed name Karen Morton in handwritten-style lettering.

The images demonstrate the large photographic layouts characteristic of Playboy during the late 1970s.

The photographed pages appear to retain their colour and detail, although some normal handling and page curvature are visible.

Dr William Masters – First-Night Disasters

Page 104 – Article by Dr William Masters

The magazine contains a contribution from Dr William Masters, a prominent American researcher known for his work in human sexuality.

The article is titled First-Night Disasters.

It examines the anxieties and difficulties associated with first-time intimate experiences.

The feature forms part of Playboy's broader tradition of publishing articles from prominent researchers, writers and commentators.

Martin Mull's Guide to Sophisticated Seduction

Page 96 – Humour by Martin Mull

A humorous feature by American comedian, musician and actor Martin Mull.

The contents describe a step-by-step approach to romantic encounters, presented in Mull's distinctive comic style.

An interesting period contribution from an entertainer associated with American comedy, television and music during the 1970s.

Additional Magazine Contents

The photographed contents pages confirm a substantial selection of other articles, departments and regular features.

Galahad – Page 94

Fiction by Walter L. Lowe Jr., centred on the life of a pool hustler.

Shades of Meaning – Page 100

A modern-living feature examining different styles of sunglasses.

The Accompanist – Page 102

Fiction by British writer V. S. Pritchett.

Blowing Up Your Boat – Page 109

A modern-living article covering boating and sailing.

Playboy's Party Jokes – Page 124

A selection of humour and jokes.

Super Sandwiches – Page 127

A food feature by Emanuel Greenberg examining sandwich preparation.

Playboy's Guide to Grooming – Page 128

A lifestyle feature covering personal grooming and appearance.

The Secret Life of Soccer – Page 144

A sports article by Maury Z. Levy discussing the world of football.

Designing Trio – Page 149

An article by David Platt examining fashion design and contemporary trends.

Barroom Bets – Page 153

A quiz feature by Russell H. Slocum.

Call of the Wild – Page 154

A pictorial feature involving Susan Jensen, also known as Constance Money.

Saint Jane and the Hollywood Dragon – Page 169

A personality feature by Jim Harwood about actress Jane Fonda and her film-production activities.

Playboy's Pipeline – Page 175

A regular section covering various lifestyle subjects.

Playboy Potpourri – Page 206

A selection of additional features and entertainment content.

Playboy on the Scene – Page 235

The magazine's regular coverage of contemporary lifestyle and entertainment.

Original 1978 Advertising

The supplied photographs show original American advertising, providing an interesting record of consumer culture and commercial design from the late 1970s.

Subaru – Civilized Four Wheel Drive

A full-page black-and-white advertisement promotes Subaru's early four-wheel-drive passenger vehicles.

The advertisement features the headline:

"Civilized Four Wheel Drive."

It includes photographs of two Subaru vehicles, including the Subaru Brat.

The advertisement discusses the practical advantages of four-wheel drive, fuel economy, vehicle comfort and affordability.

This is a particularly interesting period advertisement for collectors of vintage Japanese cars and early Subaru automotive history.

British Gin Advertisement

An interior advertisement shows a classic martini glass containing a clear drink with an olive garnish.

The photograph is presented against a dark background with decorative tableware.

The advertisement uses elegant typography and a traditional premium-spirits presentation.

Dubonnet – Back Cover Advertisement

The original back cover features a colour advertisement for Dubonnet, a French aperitif.

The advertisement shows a tall glass containing a red-coloured drink with ice and a citrus garnish.

Several Dubonnet bottles appear alongside the glass.

The prominent headline reads:

"Stir up a Sparkler. Try a Collins and Soda."

The advertisement uses a dark background, pale border and carefully arranged product photography.

It is an attractive example of late-1970s drinks advertising and packaging design.

Condition Report – Please Read Carefully

Condition: Pre-owned vintage magazine showing noticeable age-related wear, particularly around the spine and cover edges.

This magazine dates from July 1978 and is approximately 48 years old.

It is not being sold as a mint or near-mint copy.

Front Cover

The original front cover remains present, with the Pamela Sue Martin photograph clearly visible.

Visible imperfections include:

• Light to moderate surface scuffing and rubbing.

• Fine scratches and handling marks.

• Age-related discolouration and yellowing.

• Creasing around the edges.

• Slight bending and curling around the corners.

• Wear along the lower edge.

• Small abrasions around the cover edges.

• Noticeable wear along the left-hand spine edge.

• Some unevenness where the cover meets the binding.

The front cover retains its original printed colours and the main text remains readable.

Spine and Binding

The spine is one of the more visibly worn areas.

The photographs show:

• Several areas of rubbing and abrasion.

• Small splits and tears around the spine.

• Exposed or weakened binding points.

• Wear where the cover joins the internal pages.

• Localised damage around the staples or binding area.

• General handling stress along the fold.

The interior photograph showing the Subaru advertisement provides a particularly clear view of the worn binding.

The magazine should be handled carefully to avoid further deterioration.

Interior Pages

The photographed contents pages and interior spreads remain readable.

Visible imperfections include:

• Age-related paper yellowing.

• Minor marks and spotting.

• Light creasing.

• Some page curvature.

• Wear around the inner margins.

• Minor edge and corner wear.

• Occasional surface marks.

The photographed colour pictorial pages retain their printed images.

Some curvature and stress are visible around the central fold.

Back Cover

The original Dubonnet advertisement remains present.

The back cover shows:

• Surface scuffs and scratches.

• Edge wear.

• Age-related yellowing around the pale border.

• Small tears and abrasions along the lower edge.

• Noticeable wear around the spine-side edge.

• Some creasing and slight bending.

The advertisement remains recognisable and the printed promotional text is largely clear.

Overall Condition

A genuine vintage July 1978 Playboy magazine with visible age-related wear, including spine damage, edge wear, creasing and discolouration.

The magazine retains the original cover, photographed contents pages, internal features and back-cover advertisement.

The full magazine has not been individually page-counted, so completeness beyond the photographed contents cannot be guaranteed.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, particularly the spine and back-cover images.

Original Extras and Promotional Material

This listing is for the magazine only.

Any original loose gifts, promotional materials, separate inserts or other additional items that may once have accompanied the magazine are no longer included.

The cover advertises a LeRoy Neiman Elvis Presley tear-out poster, but its presence has not been confirmed in the supplied photographs.

The tear-out poster is not guaranteed to be present and should not be assumed to be included.

Only the magazine shown in the photographs is being offered.

Packaging and Delivery

UK Orders

The magazine will be carefully packaged and sent in a protective hardback envelope to help minimise bending during transit.

International Orders

International orders will be packaged in a sturdy cardboard mailing-size box for additional protection during shipping.

The photographs show the actual magazine you will receive.

Please read the full description and review the condition photographs before purchasing.

SKU: 1571