Knave was a long-running British soft-core men’s magazine, first published in 1968 by photographer Russell Gay under Galaxy Publications. It quickly stood out as a more stylish, high-end alternative to the typical adult magazines of its time.
What made Knave unique was its mix of erotic photography and serious literary content. The magazine regularly featured short stories by major writers, including early work from Neil Gaiman, Kim Newman, and Dave Langford. Gaiman even worked for Knave in various roles, including book reviewer and interviewer, before becoming internationally famous.
Knave also showcased well-known glamour models and cultural figures. Mary Millington appeared in its pages in the 1970s, helping boost her rise to fame. Avant-garde artist Penny Slinger posed nude while incorporating her own artwork, giving the magazine a creative edge rarely seen in adult publications. Cosey Fanni Tutti famously modelled for Knave in 1977 as part of a boundary-pushing art project exploring the relationship between pornography and performance.
Industry professionals who worked behind the scenes at Knave later went on to shape the wider publishing world, including Eric Fuller, who played a part in the later success of major men’s magazines like Maxim.
After nearly five decades in print, Knave ended publication in 2015, closing an important chapter in British adult media history.
Why Knave Magazine Stood Out:
Combined glamour photography with genuine literary storytelling
Supported early careers of writers who became internationally acclaimed
Featured iconic models and artists who shaped UK adult and counterculture
Known for a more sophisticated, artistic approach to men’s magazines
