The Material Review

Issue 123: Wagons, God Dogs, Quest for the Perfect Morning Routine, History of the Business Card, Nostalgic Cookies, The Quarterback, Spotlight On: Fall Footwear and a Boston Whaler Collab.

Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.

Performance Wagons Are Thriving. So Why Are Normal Ones Dying?

“With the Audi RS6 Avant and BMW M5 Touring finding success in the US, what will it take to turn that into real momentum for affordable wagons?” [Motor1]

God Dog

“A visit to the dog show” [n+1]

Wake me up before you go go go go go

“A survey of America's 250-year quest for the perfect morning routine, from Benjamin Franklin to Bryan Johnson.” [Business Insider]

The Casual Archivist’s Short History of the Business Card, From Versailles to Microsoft Word

[The Malin Journal]

Nostalgic Cravings at the Minnesota State Fair

“Many of the staffers at Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar start as teen-agers. Some of them are committed for life.” [The New Yorker]

The Most Difficult Position in Sports

“Quarterbacks are generals, idols, spokesmen, psychologists, and egomaniacs—and they’ve never been more beloved.” [The Atlantic]

A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.

A Kind of Guise Noyan Zip Sweater

Evergoods Transit Duffel 35L

BioLite Range 400 Headlamp

BillyKirk No. 520 Leather Wine Tote

Nymzo Stanton Series 01 Chess Set

Fall Footwear

Crockett & Jones Chepstow 2

New Balance 475

Rancourt & Co. Belgrade Camp Loafer - Cognac Bison

Red Wing Heritage Roughneck in Black Oil Slick Leather

Birkenstock Boston Crosstown

Haglöfs Ridge GTX Low Men

Boston Whaler x Tombolo

Unsinkable Legend' 5-Panel Souvenir Cap

Vented Fishing Shirt

Wm. J. Mills & Co. Zip Tote

Key Float

Classifieds

Welcome to our weekly “Classifieds” section of the newsletter. The idea is to find an easy way to promote things happening in our ecosystem. Think of this space to promote your eBay shop, event, newsletter, app, book, tool or your personal brand (if you must). Drop us a line at if you’re interested in buying an item in an upcoming issue. Price: $200 for four ads. Maximum 280 character per ad.

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🩴 des américains

Mesdames et messieurs, l’été n’est jamais terminé. Inspired by '70s and '80s sporting style, retro-thick des américains thong sandals are handcrafted in Maine with the finest materials for unsurpassed comfort and durability. New styles, colorways, and more at desamericains.com.

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🛒 Barbour Re-loved Pop-Up

Sunday, Sept 21st. 11-6pm. Fancy Groceries, 562 N Trade Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101

Fancy Groceries is partnering up with the iconic jacket brand and their Re-loved program to showcase a run of one-of-a-kind jackets that have all been rewaxed, refreshed, and patched-up.