Emeritus Professor Peter McPhee (centre) with Baw Baw U3A committee members Lesley Anstee, Ted Benjamin, Jenny Hall, Ann Corcoran, master of ceremonies Donna D'Arcy, David Ingham, Steph Wellard and Rod Wellard at the literary lunch.
Peter McPhee giving his lecture on the French Revolution.
Baw Baw University of the Third Age held its 18th literary lunch recently, with historian Emeritus Professor Peter McPhee as guest speaker.
Baw Baw U3A members gathered at the Royal Hotel in Drouin for an afternoon of celebration, discussion and learning before listening to Prof McPhee's lecture on the French Revolution.
Prof McPhee is an academic at Melbourne University, having previously been deputy vice chancellor and provost from 2003-09. He also is a member of the Australian Academy of the Humanities and the Academy of Social Sciences, and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2012.
Having written multiple books on the French Revolution, Prof McPhee said he was most interested in how it affected the average, everyday members of the country's population. He said for many of the country's peasantry, the revolution was "profoundly disorienting" as an enormous societal change occurred in a relatively small amount of time.
He spoke about the effect of the French Revolution on farmers, on the life of Robespierre and thirdly on the physical characteristics of the French countryside.
Baw Baw U3A is a volunteer co-operative of local older residents dedicated to learning. Sharing many educational, creative and leisure interests, the group undertakes a number of courses and activities together. To enquire about membership and activities, visit www.u3abawbaw.org.au or or phone 0438 115693
