Wanting Like a God: Desire and Freedom in the Works of Thomas Traherne

Wanting Like a God introduces readers to the work of the 17th century metaphysical poet and theologian Thomas Traherne. Denise Inge pays particular attention to the recent discoveries of hitherto unknown manuscripts which have helped to raise Traherne's profile. Inge convincingly leads readers to a new understanding of Traherne, not only as a poet, but also as a theologian, capable of appreciating not only blissful rejoicing but also profound darkness. The book offers a close consideration of Traherne's literary and poetic writings, and considerably reevaluates his work, showing Traherne as a theologian whose main concern was to trace the dynamic between desire and satisfaction that he felt defined and structured the relationship between God and human beings. This publication provides readers with a persuasive reinterpretation of Traherne's spiritual vision and brings to market the first academic study of his work since the discovery of the Lambeth manuscripts.