Dian Hanson

The Visionary Behind Erotic Publishing

Dian Hanson is one of the most influential figures in contemporary publishing, known for her pioneering work in erotic art and adult-themed publications. As a writer, editor, and historian of erotic imagery, she has spent decades curating, analyzing, and celebrating the intersection of sexuality, art, and cultural history.

Hanson began her career in the 1970s, working as an editor for some of the most recognized men’s magazines of the era. Her deep knowledge of adult publishing and its historical significance led her to Taschen, where she became the editor of the publisher’s Sexy Books series, curating an array of works that document erotic art, vintage pin-up culture, and the evolution of adult photography.

Below, explore the boundary-pushing world of Dian Hanson, where art, history, and sexuality converge to redefine visual storytelling.

More About Dian Hanson

Q1: Who is Dian Hanson?

Dian Hanson is an American writer and editor known for her work in erotic art and adult publishing. She has been a key figure in the industry since the 1970s, working as an editor for men’s magazines before joining Taschen, where she curates and publishes books on erotic photography, vintage pin-ups, and sexual subcultures.

Q2: What are Dian Hanson’s most famous books?

Hanson has published numerous books that document and celebrate erotic art, including:

"The Big Book of Breasts" (2006): A Taschen bestseller, exploring the history of large-breasted pin-ups and nude photography.
"The Big Penis Book" (2008): A visual history of the male form in erotic art and photography.
"Psychedelic Sex" (2015): A deep dive into the fusion of eroticism and psychedelic counterculture, highlighting how sexuality was redefined during the 1960s and '70s.

"Naked as a Jaybird" (2018): A celebration of natural nudism photography, chronicling the history of nudist communities and their portrayal in visual media.

Q3: How did Dian Hanson influence publishing?

Hanson redefined the role of erotic publishing by elevating adult-themed photography and art into a historical and cultural dialogue. She has brought legitimacy and artistic appreciation to a genre often dismissed as purely exploitative, making Taschen’s Sexy Books a respected collection within the art and photography world.

Q4: What was Dian Hanson’s role in men’s magazines?

Before joining Taschen, Hanson worked as an editor for notable men’s magazines, including Juggs and Leg Show. Her editorial approach focused on celebrating erotic art while maintaining a unique balance between entertainment and cultural analysis.

Q5: What is Dian Hanson’s legacy?

Hanson’s work has transformed the way erotic photography and adult publishing are perceived in mainstream art and culture. By merging historical research with visual storytelling, she has ensured that erotic imagery is studied, appreciated, and archived as an essential part of artistic history.

Dian Hanson continues to push the boundaries of erotic publishing, shaping the way sexuality, art, and culture intersect in modern media.