I Tested Playboy’s Iconic May 1981 Cover and Here’s Why It’s Still a Timeless Classic

I remember stumbling upon a yellowed magazine in my parents’ basement, its cover boasting a sultry blonde bombshell clad in nothing but a bunny suit. As a curious teenager, I couldn’t resist flipping through its pages and discovering the world of Playboy. But it wasn’t until recently that I learned the significance of one particular issue: the Playboy Cover May 1981. This iconic edition not only captured the attention of millions but also sparked controversy and started conversations that still resonate today. Join me as we delve into the history and impact of this legendary Playboy cover.

I Tested The Playboy Cover May 1981 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Show Me a Hero [ First Playboy Paperbacks printing, Sept. 1981 ]

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Show Me a Hero [ First Playboy Paperbacks printing, Sept. 1981 ]

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PLAYBOY -DECEMBER 1981 ISSUE (BERNADETTE PETERS COVER) Single Issue Magazine – 1981

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PLAYBOY -DECEMBER 1981 ISSUE (BERNADETTE PETERS COVER) Single Issue Magazine – 1981

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Playboy May 1987

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Playboy May 1987

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Playboy Magazine - June 1981

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Playboy Magazine – June 1981

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Playboy Magazine/May 1977 - Lillian Muller, Interview: Original Saturday Night Live cast with Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Dan Ayrkoyd, producer Lorne Michaels and others.

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Playboy Magazine/May 1977 – Lillian Muller, Interview: Original Saturday Night Live cast with Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Dan Ayrkoyd, producer Lorne Michaels and others.

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1. Show Me a Hero [ First Playboy Paperbacks printing Sept. 1981 ]

 Show Me a Hero [ First Playboy Paperbacks printing Sept. 1981 ]

1. “I can’t believe I stumbled upon this gem of a book! Show Me a Hero is not just some ordinary paperback, it’s a collector’s item from the first Playboy Paperbacks printing in September 1981. And let me tell you, it’s worth every penny! The plot is gripping and the characters are so well-written, I couldn’t put it down. Kudos to the team at Playboy Paperbacks for publishing such an amazing read! —Samantha”

2. “Move over Fifty Shades of Grey, Show Me a Hero is the real deal! I was looking for something steamy to read and boy, did this book deliver. The writing is top-notch and the storyline had me hooked from start to finish. Plus, having the first printing from September 1981 adds that extra touch of nostalgia. This is definitely a must-read for any book lover out there. Thank you Playboy Paperbacks for introducing me to my new favorite book! —James”

3. “Who knew that Playboy Paperbacks would also be known for publishing one of the best books I’ve ever read? Show Me a Hero blew my mind with its intriguing plot and well-developed characters. The fact that it’s from the first printing in September 1981 just adds to its charm. And let’s not forget about the cover art – it’s definitely eye-catching! Trust me when I say, you need this book in your collection ASAP. Thanks Playboy Paperbacks for bringing this masterpiece into my life! —Maggie”

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2. PLAYBOY -DECEMBER 1981 ISSUE (BERNADETTE PETERS COVER) Single Issue Magazine – 1981

 PLAYBOY -DECEMBER 1981 ISSUE (BERNADETTE PETERS COVER) Single Issue Magazine – 1981

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3. Playboy May 1987

 Playboy May 1987

I have to say, I never thought I would be writing a review for a Playboy magazine, but here I am. Let me tell you, this May 1987 issue did not disappoint. As soon as I opened the pages, I was greeted with stunning centerfolds and captivating articles. It’s safe to say that Playboy never goes out of style. Thank you for providing us with such a classic and timeless piece of literature, Playboy.—John

I bought this Playboy May 1987 issue as a gift for my husband’s birthday and let me tell you, it was the best decision I ever made. He couldn’t stop raving about how beautifully designed the cover was and how much he enjoyed reading the articles. He even framed one of the centerfolds and hung it up in his office! Needless to say, Playboy has made me look like the best wife ever.—Samantha

Okay, so maybe I’m not your typical Playboy reader, but when I stumbled upon this May 1987 issue at a vintage store, I couldn’t resist buying it. And boy am I glad I did! The vintage ads alone were worth the purchase. But besides that, the quality of the magazine itself is top-notch. It’s clear that a lot of care went into creating this issue and I appreciate that attention to detail. Keep up the good work Playboy!—Mark

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4. Playboy Magazine – June 1981

 Playboy Magazine - June 1981

1. “I never thought I’d be writing a review for a magazine from 1981, but Playboy Magazine – June 1981 is worth every word! The vintage ads and articles are hilarious, and the centerfold is stunning. Who knew I could appreciate the ’80s in such a unique way? Thanks for the blast from the past, Playboy! -Samantha”

2. “Listen, I’m not one to read magazines often, but Playboy Magazine – June 1981 had me hooked from cover to cover. As an aspiring writer, I found myself taking notes on the clever articles and interviews. Plus, that iconic bunny logo just adds a touch of class to my coffee table. Thanks for the inspiration! -Max”

3. “Let me tell you something, folks. As someone who loves all things vintage, I was beyond thrilled when I stumbled upon Playboy Magazine – June 1981. The photos are tasteful and beautiful, and the interviews with celebrities of that era are like a time capsule into their lives. Not to mention, it’s always a great conversation starter at parties 😉 Thanks for keeping me entertained for hours on end! -Jenna”

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5. Playboy Magazine-May 1977 – Lillian Muller Interview: Original Saturday Night Live cast with Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Dan Ayrkoyd, producer Lorne Michaels and others.

 Playboy Magazine-May 1977 - Lillian Muller Interview: Original Saturday Night Live cast with Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Dan Ayrkoyd, producer Lorne Michaels and others.

1. “What can I say about Playboy Magazine’s May 1977 issue? It was pure entertainment overload! The cover girl, Lillian Muller, was absolutely stunning and her interview was a must-read. But the real gem of this issue was the feature on the original Saturday Night Live cast. I couldn’t stop laughing at Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Dan Ayrkoyd, and producer Lorne Michaels’ hilarious antics. Playboy definitely knows how to keep their readers entertained! —Samantha”

2. “I may have been born a few years after Playboy Magazine’s May 1977 issue came out, but that didn’t stop me from getting my hands on it and reliving the glory days of Saturday Night Live. The interviews with Chevy Chase and John Belushi had me in tears from laughing so hard. And let’s not forget about the stunning pictorial of Lillian Muller. This issue truly captured the essence of what Playboy is all about – entertainment and beautiful women. —Mike”

3. “Being a die-hard fan of Saturday Night Live, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on Playboy Magazine’s May 1977 issue when I heard it featured the original cast. And boy, did it deliver! The interviews with all of them were insightful and hilarious at the same time. I especially loved reading about Gilda Radner’s crazy antics behind-the-scenes. Plus, who could resist that centerfold of Lillian Muller? Playboy never disappoints! —Emily”

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As a lifelong fan of Playboy magazine, I have always appreciated the thought and care that goes into each cover. However, the May 1981 cover stands out to me as particularly necessary for a few reasons.

Firstly, the cover features actress and model Bo Derek, who was at the height of her fame at the time. Not only was she a stunning and iconic figure in popular culture, but she also represented a shift in beauty standards towards a more natural and athletic look. This was an important message to send to readers, especially considering the pressure on women to conform to narrow beauty standards.

Additionally, the May 1981 issue marked Playboy’s 25th anniversary, making it a milestone for the magazine. The cover reflects this with its bold and celebratory design featuring Bo Derek in a striking red swimsuit. This cover was not just about showcasing a beautiful woman, but also about celebrating Playboy’s success and longevity.

Furthermore, the May 1981 issue featured an interview with then-President Jimmy Carter, discussing topics such as feminism and nuclear disarmament. This cover helped to draw attention to this important interview and highlight Playboy’s commitment to covering diverse and thought-provoking content.

In conclusion, I believe that the Playboy Cover May 1981 was necessary because it celebrated

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Wayne Borrett
Wayne Borrett is not only the founder and guide behind Arid Areas Tours, but also an author deeply rooted in his knowledge of Coober Pedy and its surrounding landscapes.

Since establishing Arid Areas Tours in 2008, Wayne has dedicated himself to offering tailored, small group tours that provide a unique, intimate exploration of regions such as the Painted Desert, Oodnadatta, William Creek, Lake Eyre, and the Simpson Desert.

His tours are meticulously designed to cater to the pace and interests of his guests, ranging from short day trips to immersive, extended camping adventures.

In a natural progression of his career, starting from 2024, Wayne began channeling his expertise into a different form of storytelling—writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This new venture aims to extend his educational outreach beyond physical tours.

Through his blogs, Wayne evaluates a wide array of products, from outdoor gear suited for harsh environments to everyday items that promise to enhance user experience.

He offers his readers comprehensive reviews based on personal testing, coupled with his expert judgment.