Etched in Time

Book excerpt: A small town childhood of mysteries and secrecy in the years after one war. Discovering new worlds as a student at the Ontario College of Art during a second war. Marriage, betrayal, divorce and an artistic career as one of Canada's foremost printmakers. Jo Manning's Etched in Time is a memoir of a remarkable life. Tragedies and triumphs, successes and setbacks, all catalogued with honesty and insight. But this is more than one woman's story. Manning offers an insightful look at life - especially for women and artists - in the last half of the 20th Century. She catalogues the challenges and opportunities, charts the changing times and shares her experiences as part of a new generation of Canadian artists challenging traditions. Etched in Time is both memoir and history. It's a look back at nine decades, delivered with candour, wisdom and the sharp eye of an artist.