Happiness and Holiness
Selected Writings of Thomas Traherne
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The 17th century writer Thomas Traherne is increasingly being recognised and studied as a theologian as well as a poet. The discovery, in 1997, announced by the author of this volume, of five new prose works and a poetic work has given huge impetus to the study of Traherne in literature and theology.
This affordable, concise introduction to Traherne's life and work concerns Traherne primarily as a theologian and places him in an historical and intellectual context he has thus far lacked. It demonstrates his distinctive contribution to Anglican theology.
An introductory essay and biography is followed by extracts from Traherne's work under the following headings: Creatures and Powers, Holiness and Happiness, Sin and Salvation, Christian Liberty, Advice on Ministry, and Prayers.
‘the best available concise introduction to Traherne's life and work.’
David F. Ford, Regius Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge
‘Many people love the beauty of nature, but few have read one of its finest poets. Many people worship God, but few have seen his glory at the heart of all creation. Many study theology, but few do so with a sense of childlike wonder. The answer to all of these is: read Thomas Traherne. And if you want to know why, and what to look for in particular, read this splendid book.’ Tom Wright, Bishop of Durham
'This "reader", for that is what it is, can be dipped into at any point, with gratitude to the editor and to Traherne; for we do refuse happiness, as he reminds us again and again, and these timeless reminders have survived by what seems like miraculous chance'. P J. Kavanagh, The Tablet October 2008
'Throughout the book, Inge achieves the dleicate balance between academic exposition and clarity, making the whole thing accessible to the average reader. This is a comprehensove study of Traherne's work written by someone who is clearly both an expert and an enthusiast'. The NEWSpaper - Spring 2009