In this investigation of the life and varied careers of True Davidson, Eleanor Darke seeks to discover what can be "truly said about True" – a fascinating and contradictory woman who was always ahead of her time.

"There was no quitter in her make-up and she fought like a banshee for whatever she believed in – which was people, truth, Canada. People either loved her or loathed her. None was indifferent. All her life True Davidson stood for human values. And traditions. Her courage and integrity knew no limit. She didn’t make a cent from politics and scrimped and saved to make ends meet. She overflowed with opinions, ideas, even prejudices. She was as straight as they come."
– The Toronto Sun

"Opponents characterized her sometimes as arrogant and selfish, but she devoted her whole life to her wide interests in history, civic affairs and conservation and to her constituents. She never had an unlisted telephone number."
– The Globe and Mail

"Flamboyant but never frivolous, cutting but never cruel, True Davidson enlivened municipal politics during her long tenure in office. She bears … emulating by any woman with political ambitions."
– The Toronto Star

It was during her tenure as Curator-Manager of the Todmorden Mills Historic Site (1973-1984) that the author first met True Davidson.

Born in Scarborough, Ontario, and a Don Mills resident since the age of three, Eleanor Darke has been fascinated by history from childhood, especially by the first-person stories and documents of those personally involved. In her pursuit of these interests the author obtained a B.A. (Honours) in Canadian history and English, Glendon College, York University. She also holds a certificate in Museum Studies, Ontario Museum Association.

Since 1995, Eleanor Darke has served as the Programme Officer, Toronto Historical Board (now called Heritage Toronto), prior to which she was Site Manager at Mackenzie House, Toronto. She is the author of "A Mill Should Be Build Thereon": An Early History of the Todmorden Mills, published in 1995 by Natural Heritage.

The author is married to R. Fred Darke, photographer and video producer.

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