Vegan Book Club
Overview
Discover the roots of the vegan movement with fellow plant-based readers—engaging history, welcoming discussion, and practical cooking ideas you can try.
Details
We will meet at the Quaker meetinghouse in West Hartford to discuss Revolutionary Peace: How Philadelphia Launched the U.S. Vegetarian and Vegan Movement by vegan author Vance Lehmkuhl, and a selection from this year's project book, Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking, by Joe Yonan.
Revolutionary Peace is only available from the American Vegan Society. Order as soon as possible to be sure to have the book in time.
☕️ Doors open at 2:45 for socializing and refreshments. 🧁
Discussion starts at 3 PM.
You are welcome to bring a vegan snack (optional).
Coffee and tea will be provided.
About the reading:
Here’s a history few people know — the birth of a vegetarian movement in the United States, centered right here in Philadelphia. William Metcalfe formed the American Vegetarian Society in 1850, but the foundation was laid by 18th-century Philly vegetarians such as Benjamin Lay, Ben Franklin and Anthony Benezet. All three played a role in the abolition of slavery, and in the 19th century, vegetarians like Sarah Grimke and Caroline Earle White advanced the rights of women along with their animal-free lifestyle. The book also covers late-20th-century developments such as the American Vegan Society’s creation by a man who went vegan on a Philly street corner, and Philadelphia’s renowned vegan food scene, with pioneers like Alfoncie Austin blazing a path for today’s most beloved vegan venues.