Denise Inge, wife of the Bishop of Worcester, has published a new book on the 17c Herefordshire poet Thomas Traherne. Happiness and Holiness (Canterbury Press), which consolidates Denise’s status as a leading expert on Traherne.

This is the first and only volume that publishes readings from all of Thomas Traherne’s known works, following important manuscript discoveries in 1997.  Manuscripts that have never been published, are out of print or too expensive are gathered in this one book, along with the most recent biographical information about Thomas Traherne. 

Denise says: “The book looks at Traherne as a theologian as well as a poet and demonstrates his distinctive contribution to Anglican theology. It is a great way to get to know this local poet whose ideas, written in antique English, are amazingly relevant. He is absolutely full of life and passionately in search of happiness. It’s as if what he is saying was meant for today.”

Happiness and Holiness: Thomas Traherne and His Writings  is available on Amazon.co.uk; signed copies in the Cathedral book shop priced £19.99. Denise has also written Thomas Traherne – Poetry and Prose (2002) and contributed a chapter to the best-selling Marriage, Mitres and Being Myself (2008) edited by Jane Williams. Denise writes occasionally for the Church Times and is due to publish Wanting like a God – Desire and Freedom in the Works of Thomas Traherne in February 2009.

ENDS

The Diocese of Worcester is one of 44 dioceses in the Church of England. It covers an area of 671 square miles and includes parishes in the County of Worcestershire, the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, and a few parishes in northern Gloucestershire, south east Wolverhampton and Sandwell.