#300315 - Nocturne 2 Selbee Associates Eric Stanton

Nocturne, Number 2
Selbee Associates, Inc.,
New York, New York
1962

digital replica

and

optimized for ebook viewing

Messrs. Burtman and Himmel incorporated Selbee Associates in July, 1960. The title page of Nocturne, Number 2, shows their names as well as E. Stanton, Art Director.

Without fanfare or pretense, Nocturne unfolds as a magazine of pretty pinups with a pinch of fetish subject matter. This early, earnest foray into men's (not fetish or bdsm) magazine publishing projects a bright, airy tone with little ominousness.

Roughly, men's magazines present pictures of attractive models with whom the reader might fantasize an evening of leisure and articles about subjects of interest to sophisticated gentlemen. By contrast, Bizarre Life magazine, for example, has little connection to conventional dating, but shows fantasy scenarios where male or female models wind up dominated and abused, on their knees.

The darkest note in this issue is a picture article about the Grand Guignol Theatre in Paris. A drama weaves a tale of horrors in which drunk sailors mistake two women for witches. Unique stage devices create a scary illusion of fire, stabbing and blood.


An article by Carlson Wade considers the history of hosiery. Apparently, silk stockings were originally made for men.

Characterizing models as Personalities, the magazine delivers four pictorials of pretty models, mostly indoors. Like its competitors, photo sequences show charming beauties in various stages of deshabille,
with at least a few shots in garter belts with either RHT or full-fashioned stockings. Rebel Reed, the finest of these, flirts with the camera in white, high-heeled mules.

Photographed outdoors in bright sunlight, Nancy Kirsten presents with style and grace as she reveals her excellent instrument. Other pleasing posers include Ruth Reed and Beverly Raphael.

Mr. Stanton contributed full-page illustrations that introduce two short stories. His genius also appears in an episode of Midnite Maiden.

a page-by-page digital replica
The digital replica includes all the content of the 56-page original, including letters to the editor and a few unexpected ads. Page sequence was revised to achieve continuity of pictorials and prose pieces. As a consequence, the content of one page was divided and appears on two in the ebook. Some page layouts were changed to present pictures without reduction in size.

The brightness and contrast of photographs were adjusted and many spots re-touched. The ebook makes the most of the professional photography in the magazine and provides a viewing experience superior to that of the paper version.

All new scans.

optimized for ebook viewing
The optimized version is based on pictures, not pages. Each picture is placed on a separate, wide ebook page. Except for the smallest photos, pictures fill the screen from top to bottom. When picture size permits, fetish details, such as garter belts and nylons, are enlarged beside the complete image of the model or on another page. As possible, pictures have been sequenced to show costume continuity. 75 pages.

This issue of Nocturne magazine offers pretty models in lingerie, hosiery and nice footwear. While its title suggests a dark mood, countenances and commentary glow with light and cheer. A typewriter, dial telephone and bongos fix the scene in time. The ebook versions deliver the best mechanism for enjoying all the lovely curves.

Two ebooks, one optimized, delivered by download link.