Gruber, M.A. (editor); Jan, M. Norman (photography)

Mirage (vintage British adult pinup digest magazine, 1950s)

London, UK: Swanedge Ltd., 1950s. [V1] N9, 1950s. Printed by Colonna Press (Herts.), distributed by Enquirer Ltd (London). Vintage adult British pinup digest magazine, featuring cover & color three-panel foldout of sultry Sophia Dawn. Several models throughout, including Nicola Sieff, Lina Ellis, Anette Johnson, Cindy L'Aimant, Kim Courtney, Dawn Grayson, Kay Stanners, Gaby Rougier, Lee Southern, Paula King, Molly Peters, Vicky Kennedy aka Margaret Nolan (Bond girl & Harrison Marks model), Diana Ashley, & Angela Jones. Nearly all are nude photographic studies, many adorned in fabric, on animal rugs, or posing in homely setting. Both photographers mostly undocumented, & editor Gruber was noted in a 1969 document highlighting obscene publications.

Ties to Jasmit Publications (Padiham, Lancs.), Rodney books (London), Editions du Trefle D'or (Paris). Order form for 8mm films from Express Films (London) featuring Monique, Lorraine, Margaret, Vicky Kennedy, Ann Walker, nudists; also infamous Ben's Books (London).

Hundreds of similar digest magazines were produced by fly-by-night operations, many around New York. This issue maintains airbrushing techniques rolled over from early nudist magazines, but much of the posing naturally obscures otherwise censored areas. Still scarce institutionally, this series particularly uncommon.

38pp, 5.25 x 8 inches, color wrapper, B/W throughout/color foldout. Very Good Plus, light rubbing/foxing. [Book ID 126077]