I do think that their contribution to erotic “literature” is probably as or more important than their role in the 70s hardcore-ification of porn.
The July 1976 issue of Penthouse (Special Bisextennial issue!) was the first “dirty” magazine I ever saw, thanks to my youthful curiosity outmatching my older brother’s ability to hide something. I only share this because looking up the cover and seeing the articles advertised, I see some things never change: “The American Way of Upward Failure”. I’m very curious what examples they were using in 1976. Shows how my tastes have changed, I really do want to read the articles now!
