Richard Willmott read English at Cambridge University and took an MA in Early Modern French Literature at the University of East Anglia. He has taught literature all his life. His other books include an introduction to metaphysical poetry, an edition of Blake's Songs of Innocence and of Experience, and The Voluble Soul, a monograph on the poetry of the priest and poet Thomas Traherne. In retirement he has chaired the Traherne Association and enjoys stewarding in Hereford Cathedral's early modern chained library, and visiting art galleries.