Thomas Traherne (c.1637-1674) was a polymath with a distinctive theological vision. He wrote extensively\, but remains a relatively obscure figure in seventeenth-century studies. \; Traditionally misunderstood as a figure somewhat out of his time\, he is frequently considered within the contexts of medieval mysticism or post-Enlightenment Romanticism\, when in fact he was strongly engaged with the thought of his age. \; Traherne read\, noted and wrote upon a great variety of subjects &ndash\; philosophical\, theological\, literary and scientific &ndash\; perhaps remarkably considering his geographical circumstances and the relative privacy of his life. \; His works are grounded in many influences and reveal a great openness as to what writings\, ancient and modern\, could offer inspiration and guidance. \; This is a writer that believed\, rather emphatically\, that it would be possible both to discover and to communicate to others the intrinsic nature of &ldquo\;ALL THINGS&rdquo\;.
\nThe aim of this symposium is to address the interdisciplinarity of Traherne&rsquo\;s work\, with the hope of encouraging future interdisciplinary collaboration in Traherne studies. \; We are particularly interested in bringing together the endeavours of literary criticism &ndash\; which cover an early and persistent association between Traherne and the metaphysical poets\, the historicising of Traherne and a more recent interest in the manuscript evidence &ndash\; with the fields of theology and philosophy\, in which Traherne has been considered as a Christian mystic\, an Anglican founding-father\, a spiritual brother to the Cambridge Platonists\, or a unique theological thinker with relevance to broader discussions on the practice of theology. \;
\nThis will be the first academic symposium on Traherne since the discovery of the new manuscripts in 1996/7. \; The works of the Lambeth Palace MS (Inducements to Retiredness\, A Sober View of Dr Twisse\, Seeds of Eternity and The Kingdom of God) and the unfinished biblical epic\, The Ceremonial Law\, have opened up previously unknown aspects of Traherne&rsquo\;s thought and shone new light on the more well-known poems\, Centuries\, Thanksgivings and Select Meditations. \; We especially welcome papers that focus on the content of the Lambeth MS and The Ceremonial Law\, and work that considers ways of responding to the overall question of the symposium: what is the way forward for Traherne studies?
\nPossible topics for papers might include\, but are not limited\, to:
\nWe invite proposals for 20-25 minute papers &ndash\; please send an abstract of 300 words\, along with a short biographical statement\, to Cassie Gorman (ceg47@cam.ac.uk) and Beth Dodd (esd26@cam.ac.uk). The deadline for abstracts is August 17th\, 2012. \; We will inform applicants about acceptance by the end of August. \;
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