Sign in

Dan Wagstaff

@danwagstaff.bsky.social
284 followers 362 following 304 posts

Books and stuff. Manager of expectations. Toronto. He/him. www.casualoptimist.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Jillian Steinhauer @jilnotjill.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
I wrote about the late, great Rosalyn Drexler! www.nytimes.com/2026/10/15/a...
nytimes.com
The Painter the Art World Loves to Forget
Artist, novelist, playwright, wrestler, fashion muse — the Rosalyn Drexler rediscovery is on (again).
53111 31
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Great posters for You Can See Everything. Design by Percival & Associates (P+A) I believe...
020 2
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
The TV adaptation of Lord of the Flies is finally going to be available in Canada this month...
000 0
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Lit Hub @literaryhub.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
The Irish novelist known for nailing Millennial relationship psychosis and speaking up about Palestine told The Guardian this morning that she can no longer sell her novels in the United Kingdom.
bit.ly
Under threat of arrest Sally Rooney can no longer sell her books in the UK.
The Irish novelist known for nailing Millennial relationship psychosis and speaking up about Palestine told The Guardian this morning that she can no longer sell her novels in the United Kingdom. T…
13014 30
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Tim Hughes @gotimmy.net · 14/10/2026
OUTSTANDING
Screenshot of Guardian opinion section, with column "I hate golf" by Adrian Chiles
064 6
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
CL Hellisen @clhellisen.com · 14/10/2026
This is incredible. And not in a good way at all www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...
irishtimes.com
Sally Rooney’s books will no longer be published in UK over her support for Palestine Action
Faber blames UK antiterrorism legislation for decision to stop distributing bestselling author’s works
101092453 1.1K
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Sarah Archer @sarcher.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Oh hi! I’m really proud of my essay “‘Ladybugs Will Save the World!’: Charley Harper and the Making of a Visual Identity for Nature in the Landscape of Postwar Design” in this lovely new exhibition catalog: a.co/d/09ghiOOP
The cover of “Charley Harper: Creatures Wild and Tame.” A polar bear is in the background and a red cardinal hovered just above his head. Yellow text on blue type.
3517 51
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
PGC Books @pgcbooks.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Anne Carson’s publisher has won the Nobel Prize twice in two years! www.nytimes.com/2026/10/09/b...
nytimes.com
Anne Carson’s Publisher Has Won the Nobel Prize Twice in Two Years (Gift Article)
Fourteen authors in the New Directions stable have received the Nobel Prize in Literature, including this year and last. How does this small press pack such a punch?
041 4
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Anne Carson in her kitchen in Reykjavík posted by the @nobelprize.org this morning! (photo credit Robert Currie)
New Nobel Prize laureate in literature Anne Carson stands surprised in her kitchen in Reykjavík, Iceland. Photo credit Robert Currie
021 2
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Chris Power @chrispower.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Anne Carson, newly minted Nobel Prize in Literature laureate, once published the greatest ever author bio
452196 521
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
The Walrus @thewalrus.ca · 02/10/2026
Joan Barfoot’s Gaining Ground vanished from print after it was published in 1978, but it never left the minds of its stubborn readers. For decades, it circulated by word-of-mouth. Now, it’s back in print—and with a new generation of devoted readers. thewalrus.ca/joan-barfoot-gaining-g…
On the left: Photo of an older woman with glasses and a short, grey, bob haircut. On the right: text that reads “Why is Joan Barfoot’s first novel catching fire fifty years later? The cult classic about a woman who deserts her family is more relevant than ever.”
074 7
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Tom Gauld @tomgauld.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
My latest cartoon for @newscientist.com
As we join the great theoretical scientist, he is deep in thought. So still, quiet and focused that he might almost be asleep. But inside that brilliant mind, what new idea is forming? What certainty is being meticulously interrogated? What ingenious theory is ready to change our world forever? (the scientist snores lightly) Ah, it seems he actually is asleep. And that's fine. Science is hard and not every day can be a success. We will come back another time.
161004249 1K
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Gail Myerscough @gailmyerscough.co.uk · 05/10/2026
After reading End of a Century by @pacarnahan.bsky.social it was an honour to be asked to design the cover. I loved this book and I hope new cover helps to sell a few more copies. www.gailmyerscough.co.uk/end-of-a-cen...
Book cover design for End of a Century by Paul Carnahan.
25813 58
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Dean Frey @dean.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
R Kikuo Johnson Bodega Cat New Yorker September 18, 2023 #caturday
New Yorker cover
A cat lies with one eye open on the counter, watching a customer scratch a lotto ticket.
05416 54
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
The Casual Optimist @casualoptimist.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Zachary Petit's best book covers of September + a chat with NYC-based designer Claire Sullivan about her design for Our Cut of Salt by Deena Helm @therumpus.net therumpus.net/2026/09/30/1...
therumpus.net
18 of the Best Book Covers of September 2026 - The Rumpus
Plus Claire Sullivan on designing the cover of Deena Helm’s debut novel Our Cut of Salt
065 6
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
The Casual Optimist @casualoptimist.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Here are SPINE's September Book Covers We Love selections!
spinemagazine.co
SPINE-September Book Covers We Love!
Welcome to September’s Book Covers We Love! The full list is comprised of a selection of covers reviewed by a panel including Co-Founder of Chapman & Wilder, Cherie Chapman ; Author of the novels...
133 3
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Almost bookalikes? The cover of The Floating World by Ben Eastham published by Astra House was designed by Adrian Tonello; the cover of May We Feed the King by Rebecca Perry published by Transit was designed by Jared Bartman. Both out in the US this month.
The Floating World by Ben Eastham published by Astra House, cover design by Adriana TonelloMay We Feed the King by Rebecca Perry published by Transit Books, cover design by Jared Bartman
041 4
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
ICYMI here are my book cover picks for the month :-)
casualoptimist.com
Book Covers of Note, September 2026
Hey. Hello. I hope you’re keeping safe and well. Things are a bit busy around here, so let’s just gone on with things shall we? Against Convenience by Gabe Bullard; design by Jason Rami…
022 2
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Boum!
001 1
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
It's a really big post this month! :-)
020 2
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
People‘s Graphic Design Archive @peoplesgdarchive.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
New York City Ballet poster, designed by Edward Gorey in 1974 “Author + illustrator Gorey created posters for the gift shop, including this eye-catching lithograph of pointe shoes ascending from 1–5 position.” (Cooper Hewitt) Archived by @marinabyocean #PeoplesGDArchive #GDArchive
03213 32
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Joan Barfoot in Toronto Life almost 50 years after Gaining Ground was originally published! torontolife.com/culture/joan...
torontolife.com
“The reviews are rapturous, and it astounds me”: Author Joan Barfoot on the ecstatic revival of her 1978 feminist novel, Gaining Ground - Toronto Life
The book, about a Toronto woman who leaves her family to live in the woods, is the latest must-read—50 years after it came out
031 3
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Drew Broussard @drewsof.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Also, I've said it for months and I'll say it again: MAY WE FEED THE KING is my favorite. It's top 3 of the year for me, it's such an astoundingly good debut, please read it.
231 3
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
kottke.org @kottke.org · 21/09/2026
Cars, New York City (1974-1976). In the 70s, photographer Langdon Clay took photos of cars parked on NYC streets at night. “The cinematic images are a result of time exposure, sodium vapor street lights, and the tenacity of youth." [kottke.org]
kottke.org
Cars, New York City (1974-1976)
In the 70s, photographer Langdon Clay took photos of cars parked on NYC streets at night and compiled them into a project: Cars, New York City | 1974-1976. Using his Leica CL, Kodachrome 25, and a 40 millimeter lens,
1286 28
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I’m curious about the pressing trigger in your example. Why did Brighton decide to jump at that moment? Was it as simple as Odegaard carrying?
100 1
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Apparently they shaded the xG today 1.59 to Fulham’s 1.57! 😭
010 1
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
kottke.org @kottke.org · 18/09/2026
Instant click for me: how NYC street signs are made. “The sign shop…has a staff of 46 workers, including seven letterers who lay out signs by hand and a blacksmith who makes custom brackets to securely attach signs to traffic poles.” [nytimes.com]
nytimes.com
There Are Over 1 Million N.Y.C. Street Signs. Here’s How They Are Made.
From Cornelia Street to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the 46 workers in this Queens building bring to life the words and symbols that guide the city.
0235 23
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Canadian History Ehx @cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
The Shining is my favourite horror movie. It is a masterpiece of a film, and it is made even better by the fact there are a lot of Canadian connections to it. From the hotel itself, to the work of Canadian artists found throughout its haunted interior. 📸 Warner Bros. 🧵 1/19
A intense close-up of Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance from "The Shining." He has long, unkempt dark hair, a furious expression with bared teeth and glaring eyes, clutching his chest in a dark jacket. The background is a blurry, snowy tunnel or maze, evoking a frozen, menacing atmosphere.
411034 110
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Ward Jenkins @wardjenkins.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Today's a good time to reshare this thread. Fantastic whimsy - and I don't often use that term, but works perfectly here - from the brilliant Jim Flora. He's influenced oh, so many artists since he was rediscovered in the '90s. Enjoy! #wardsmorguefile
1155 15
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Nicolette Jones @nicolettejones.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by Britta Teckentrup from her book The Chairs, about community, and hostility to, or acceptance of, outsiders. An important and beautiful story notable for its astonishing use of texture and of sunlight, moonlight and firelight. Prestel 8 Sept. @brittateckentrup.bsky.social
0154 15
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Neglected Books @neglectedbooks.com · 08/09/2026
A minor publishing mystery. For a year or so after their publication of The Tin Drum, the English translation of Gunter Grass's novel Die Blechtrommel, Secker & Warburg featured Grass's own illustration of Oskar Matzerath on the spine of all of their books, even for a novel like Georgy Girl.
49817 98
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
If you only read one book about running away to live in the woods this fall, please make it Gaining Ground by Joan Barfoot.
011 1
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Graham Annable @grickle.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Me like caffeine! #grickledoodle #muppets #coffee #cookiemonster #cartoon #art #drawing #funny #humor
A shaggy, wide-eyed blue "coffee monster" gleefully drinks from one of many mugs spread across a diner counter, surrounded by coffee pots and cups while a bemused customer watches — a humorous depiction of obsessive caffeine consumption.
328565 285
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Rebecca Colesworthy @rcolesworthy.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
I’ve deleted The emails That were in My inbox And which You were probably Hoping I’d answer Forgive me They were torturous So long So old
39214 92
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
And while I'm down a vintage book cover well, David Pearson's side project The Book Cover Review is great... bookcoverreview.co.uk
bookcoverreview.co.uk
The Book Cover Review
The Book Cover Review brings you 500-ish word reviews of beloved book covers – both new and old – from a range of voices around the world.
031 3
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Alvin Lustig too. Just an incredible body of work... alvinlustig.com/book-jackets/
A Season in Hell book jacket designed by Alvin Lustig (1945)Amerika book jacket designed by Alvin Lustig (1946)
021 2
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Just thinking about favourite book covers again and was reminded that Paul Rand designed so many bangers! www.paulrand.design/work/Book-Co...
The cover of The Second Men designed by Paul Rand (1956) The book cover of The Condemned of Altona design by Paul Rand (1963)
032 3
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Graham Annable @grickle.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Clark Kent should really only clean his glasses in the privacy of his own home. #grickledoodle #superman #clarkkent #superheroes #cartoon #funny #art #humor #drawing
Office workers stare as Clark Kent takes off his glasses to clean them at a desk nameplate reading "C. Kent" beneath a bulletin-board poster asking "WHO IS THE SUPERMAN?", jokingly revealing Clark Kent’s secret identity.
5676149 676
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
I was just asked what my favourite book covers are, and oof where to start?
021 2
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Steven Seighman @stevenseighman.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
I rounded up some of my favorite August movie posters over at @filmobsessive.com today. It was a great month for creative, effective design, including works for controversial re-releases, indie docs, throwback horror, and more. Check it out here:
filmobsessive.com
August Movie Poster Roundup: Devils, Docs, and Origami
A collection of the five impeccably designed movie posters that stood out from the crowd during the month of August.
023 3
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Josh Cook @joshthelibromancer.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Must read from @jpinckney.bsky.social It's focus is bookselling in the face of the "end of reading" but I think it points towards many different pathways out of our current omnicrisis
defector.com
What Do Booksellers Make Of “The End Of Reading”? | Defector
If you haven’t yet encountered the cover story for the August issue of The Atlantic, I have some bad news to share: “The End of Reading Is Here.” It’s an intentionally provocative headline for a sligh...
33015 30
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
I forgot that Zachary Petit (formerly of PRINT) is doing book cover round-ups for The Rumpus now!
therumpus.net
15 of the Best Book Covers of August 2026 - The Rumpus
Plus Rodrigo Corral on designing Life of M and branding Rachel Cusk’s books
051 5
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
A combination of Rashford (and others) staying, and being blindsided by the fees/wages others were willing to pay for targets and (correctly?) unwilling to match?
020 2
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Benjamin L. Clark @benjaminlclark.com · 01/09/2026
Architectural Digest has a fun article about design and Peanuts. (Yes, I was interviewed for it. It was a fun conversation!): www.architecturaldigest.com/story/the-se...
architecturaldigest.com
The Secret Design History of Peanuts
As a buzzy NYC pop-up exhibition celebrates the strip’s cultural legacy, AD explores how Charles M. Schulz documented the evolution of the American home, from iconic Eames chairs to ’80s chintz
49325 93
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
And SPINE's picks are here if you missed them...
spinemagazine.co
SPINE-August Book Covers We Love!
Welcome to August’s Book Covers We Love! The full list is comprised of a selection of covers reviewed by a panel including Co-Founder of Chapman & Wilder, Cherie Chapman ; Freelance Designer Mar...
010 1
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
If you didn't like my August book cover picks, here are Lit Hub's. There's not that much overlap in our selections this month...
lithub.com
The 11 Best Book Covers of August
Another month of books, another month of book covers. The books of August were as lush as you might expect, though not always in the usual ways. Here are a few of my favorites from the end of summe…
110 1
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Posted late yesterday so still technically in the right month, here is my August book cover round-up!
casualoptimist.com
Book Covers of Note, August 2026
Hey. Here are this month’s book covers of note… Blue Giant by Jordan Prosser; design by Design by Committee (UQP / August 2026) Fried egg covers are a thing apparently? The cover of Gun…
051 5
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Dean Frey @dean.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Martha Rosler 'Cleaning the Drapes', from the series 'Bringing the War Home: House Beautiful', 1969-72
Photomontage:
A woman vacuums the drapes. She opens them to show a scene of WWII soldiers in a foxhole in a rocky landscape.
052 5
Dan Wagstaff @danwagstaff.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
First time I've come across the term "loneliness influencer"!
001 1
Reposted by Dan Wagstaff
Tom Gauld @tomgauld.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
My latest books cartoon for @theguardian.com
Two books talking 
Younger book  "What's happening?"
Older book  "The wheel of life has turned, my child... Our time on the front table of the bookshop is over, and, like brave birds flying south for the winter, we summer books must journey back to the shelves."

Younger book "But I like it here!"
Older book "All things must pass. The beach reads table you knew is already gone. The time of autumn books is upon us." 

Younger book "Will we ever return?" 
Older book "The cycle is eternal: the Christmas bestsellers and prize nominees will come and go, but people will always want something nice to read on holiday."
7980239 980