Social Science Magazine Appraisal

Forum: The International Journal of Human Relations Magazine

This is a vintage edition of 'Forum: The International Journal of Human Relations' magazine, a publication founded by Bob Guccione (also the founder of Penthouse) that focused on sexual health, lifestyle, and social issues. The cover features a close-up portrait of a woman with distinct 1970s styling, including heavy eyeliner and a blunt-cut hairstyle with bangs. The cover typography includes several provocative article titles such as 'America Discovers Oral Sex,' 'Impotence,' and 'Masturbation Do's & Don'ts,' reflecting the era's sexual revolution. The magazine appears to be approximately 8.5 by 11 inches in size, constructed from glossy paper stock for the cover with a barcode visible in the lower-left corner. The aesthetic and typeface suggest a publication date in the mid-to-late 1970s or early 1980s. Regarding condition, the item shows significant signs of age and wear. Most notably, there is extensive chipping, tearing, and loss of the surface paper layer along the top, bottom, and right edges. There is visible creasing across the surface, some color fading, and significant white scuffing or 'foxing' where the ink has been rubbed away from the cover art. The spine appears worn with small splits, and the presence of a barcode indicates it was a retail newsstand edition rather than a direct-mail subscription copy.