By Ron Cerabona
ANU/CANBERRA TIMES MEET THE AUTHOR EVENTS
Organiser Colin Steele reports that in 2016 attendance averaged about 250. Some events - including the Anna Funder and Justin Schofield in conversation with Natasha Rudra dinners, both at University House - sold out and the Stan Grant in conversation with Karen Middleton event at Llewellyn Hall attracted more than 1000 people and Sarah Ferguson in conversation with Lenore Taylor event attracted more than 900. Keep an eye out for more events in 2017.
Geoffrey Blainey believes that civics should be taught from the age of 10 to 15.
What's on
December 12: Professor Robert Cribb will launch Race and British Colonialism in South-East Asia, 1770-1870 by Dr Gareth Knapman at 6pm at Asia Bookroom, Lawry Place (adjacent to the Jamison Centre), Macquarie. RSVP to 62515191 or books@AsiaBookroom.com. Entry by gold coin donation to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation
December 14: Poetry at the House in the Drawing Room of University House at 8pm features Sydney poets Judith Beveridge and Michelle Cahill. $10 waged, $5 unwaged. Bookings: gpage40@bigpond.net.au. It will also be a de facto launch of the Puncher & Wattman anthology, Contemporary Australian Poetry, of which Beveridge is one of four editors. Meals can be bought at the bistro downstairs from 6.30pm.
January 24: At 6pm in the National Library of Australia Theatre, Lower Ground 1, photojournalist and official war artist Stephen Dupont will present a free lecture, From Raskols to We Cut Heads, on his artist's books project followed by a conversation with Treasures Curator Nat Williams.Bookings: nla.gov.au.
February 2: In Shooting the Picture: Press Photography in Australia, researchers Sally Young and Fay Anderson pose the question: will changes in technology spell the end of traditional press photography? With Andrew Meares, Chief Photographer, Fairfax Media. National Library of Australia, Foyer, Theatre, Ground floor. $15 includes book signing and refreshments. Bookings: nla.gov.au.
February 7: In the free Fellowship Presentation Pinafores, Prodigies & Precocities, Dr Gillian Arrighi explores the era of the child performer during the days of the British Empire, 1880–1914. Conference Room, Level 4, National Library of Australia. Bookings: nla.gov.au.
February 8: Historian Geoffrey Blainey's The Story of Australia's People: The Rise and Rise of a New Australia traces the country's history from the gold rush to the present day. Foyer Theatre, ground floor, National Library of Australia, 6pm. $15 includes book signing and refreshments. Bookings: nla.gov.au.
February 15: Fairfax columnist Clementine Ford's new book, Fight Like a Girl, is a manifesto for feminists new, old and soon-to-be, and exposes just how unequal the world continues to be for women. Foyer Theatre, ground floor, National Library of Australia, 6pm. $15 includes book signing and refreshments. Bookings: nla.gov.au.
February 22: In NGA Book Club at 10.30am, join Claudia Hyles for a discussion exploring literary themes around the visual arts.This season's book is Peacock and vine: Fortuny and Morris in life and at work by AS Byatt. Meet at the National Gallery of Australia information desk. $18, $15 NGA members. Bookings: nga.gov.au.
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