FEATURES 18 PEOPLE: SAM SHEPARD by David Thomson
An artist and an American original, he has it all on his own terms.
30 YOUR LOVER, YOUR BEST FRIEND by Vicki Greenleaf
What to do when you're in love with one man and best friends with another.
44 THE YEAR IN SEX Edited by Vanda Krefft and Patrick McGilligan
Miss America is dethroned, Bo Derek is a virgin...and other crazy stuff.
53 THE MERRIEST CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Perfect ideas for both leisurely browsers and last-minute shoppers.
89 EROTICA SPECIAL Edited by Lonnie Barbach, Ph.D.
An exclusive excerpt from an anthology of sensual literature by women.
102 HOW TO MARRY MONEY
It's not easy but you, too, can social-climb into the lap of luxury.
112 PLAYGIRL'S 10 MOST ADMIRED WOMEN by Vanda Krefft
We present the inaugural list of the very best and brightest among us. SPECIAL SECTION
33 HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING by Frances Sheridan Goulart
A blueprint for memorable party-giving—and sure-fire social success. INTERVIEW
26 Mel Gibson by Joan Goodman
Onscreen, he says little and means a lot. Offscreen, he says plenty. WARM BODIES
58 CHRISTIAN D'ANBOISE
When our stockbroker Man for December talks, people listen—and look.
78 PLAYGIRL MEN WHO HAVE MADE IT
Success stories often spring from our pages. Here's a select sampling.
119 SNAPSHOTS
Yuletide cheer with Paul Dunn, Mike Miller and Rodney Abassi. FASHION AND BEAUTY
68 GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN by Barbra Night
Tis the season for party passion and reflective moments in holiday finery. FICTION
74 THE BOY by Joyce Carol Oates
An oblique look at first-time love by one of America's greatest authors. DEPARTMENTS
3 LETTERS
4 INTIMACY FILE
by Theresa L. Crenshaw, M.D.
6 HEALTH by Nancy Friedman
8 UPDATE
8 GROOMING
9 EXERCISE
10 LIFESTYLE STRATEGIES by Laura Meyers
12 MUSIC by Mark Rowland
13 FILM by Molly Haskell
14 BOOKS by David Thomson
16 GOSSIP by Bette Noire
22 QUIZ by Sherry Suib Cohen
40 PLAYGIRL FUNNIES
53 THE ENTERTAINING WOMAN
66 STARSCOPE by ElizaBeth
128 COMING UP
