Happiness and Holiness

by Denise Inge, Thomas Traherne

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. Consisting of a 10,000 word introductory essay and biography it 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.

Genres: Poetry, Theology, Spirituality

322 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2007

Reviews

[Ryan]

This book is a great introduction to Thomas Traherne and his work. I went from knowing next to nothing about him to knowing a good deal not just about him, but about the state of the Church, theology, religion and politics in 17th century England, and wanting to study more history.

Traherne's though is broad and far reaching, but oriented around a couple of key themes: praise of God in the the world, especially in nature and other people, and the living of the Christian life. His meditations on these themes are beautiful and moving, especially his thoughts on original innocence and the pursuit of "felicitie." His poetry is somewhat singsong and didactic in places, but contains some powerful insights. His forays into the theological debates of the time are polemical by modern standards, but surprisingly accessible thanks mostly to Denise Inge's context and historical background.

All in all a heavy read, not a quick one, but well worth having read.

[Suzanne McDonald]

This is quite simply a beautiful introduction to Traherne and his work, with a wonderfully chosen selection of extracts from across his writing. Inge knows his work intimately and loves him deeply. I could not imagine a better guide than this book to allow those who do not yet know Traherne to make his acquaintance, and for those who already know him, it is a wonderful summary of his multifaceted writings, and the beating heart of his life and work.