Exoteric Advice: Edith Hall & Helen Rosner

What might 4th century BC philosopher Aristotle and 20th century celebrity chef Julia Child have to say to each other and to us? We’re in dialogue with renowned classicist Edith Hall, author of Aristotle's Way, and the New Yorker’s James Beard Award-winning roving food correspondent Helen Rosner on how ancient wisdom, practical advice, and a decided lack of elitism are key ingredients for eating and living well. Plus, a dash of good taste (and advice) in books our staff live by.

On January 15, 2019, professor and philosopher, Edith Hall joined us at 57th Street Books to discuss her new "self-help" book, Aristotle's Way: How Ancient Widsom Can Change Your Life. If this episode leaves you inspired to take on Aristotelian ethics for yourself, the Co-op has enough Loeb editions and guides to help you find your own way. Or, have a listen to the very first episode of Open Stacks, when Jonathan Lear and Martha C. Nussbaum examined Aristotle in tandem with psychoanalysis. 

If Edith Hall’s advice by way of Aristotelian ethics isn’t inspiring enough, you can speak to a bookseller. We asked staff at both stores what books they turn to time and again for advice or impetus no matter what stage of life in which they find themselves.

As The New Yorker's roving food correspondent and James Beard Award-winning writer Helen Rosner details in conversation with Colin at the Co-op, there's a universe of implications to decipher in the humblest vegetables (rutabaga, anyone?) and the fastest, questionably presidential meals. Furthermore, Rosner gives us new reasons to appreciate the savvy (and sonorous) legacy of Julia Child, and de-Throne-ifies the conversation surrounding Marlon James's Black Leopard, Red Wolf (one of many thoughtful gift ideas in our spring 2019 guide for Moms, Dads, Grads & Kids).