Michael Wood uncovers the dark side of Shakespeare’s world.

Using new evidence from spies' reports, local archives and even a coded prison diary, Michael Wood uncovers the dark side of Shakespeare's world, tracing William's early days, his schooling, his father's shady business deals and the dark secret that ruined the family. Finally, Wood untangles the riddle of William's shotgun marriage, which left him a teenage father with decidedly slim career prospects.