Males Order Mail (Vintage Catalog Brochures)

Various Publishers, 1965. Very Good Plus. Vintage mail order sales catalogs, over 20 pieces, most packaged as brochures folded and sent through the mail, featuring photography of nude male models in various poses and costuming, order forms for books and magazines, photos, and novelties, all aimed at the Gay community, specifically men. Promoting and exposing male homosexuality was not an easy thing to do openly, and the postal system provided a way for men to cope with, preserve, enjoy and advocate perceived societal abnormalities. Ephemeral means of enjoyment just before the dawn of widespread computer and Internet use. Varying sizes and colors, but most are single sheets, 8.5 x 11 inches, single-weight stock, folded twice, most with original return envelope. Among the more lavish presentations are from Media Arts (NY), with cartoons in pink around monochrome, full-frontal gentlemen, even a few Black men, and the brochures from Kris Studio (1965) are especially stunning. Fun, visually appealing examples of underground publishing from flagship locations of 1960s and 1970s USA: New York and California, with Chicago for good measure. For mature, consenting audiences. Very Good Plus overall, light toning, a few stray creases and tiny tears, with folds as issued. Collation on request.